Baroque Era General Terms

Question 1

When was the Baroque Period?

Answer 1

ca 1600 - ca 1750

Question 2

Define <b>Baroque</b>

Answer 2

from Portuguese <i>barroco</i> meaning irregularly shaped or misshapen pearl

first used as a derogatory term in reference to the overly ornate art of the era

now applied to art, architecture, and music of the 17th century and early 18th centuries

Question 3

Define <b>basso continuo</b>

Answer 3

Baroque performance practice

generally involves two performers - one playing the notated bass line, one realizing the harmonies as indicated by the figured bass

harmonies usually played on harpsichord or organ

provides harmonic framework

Question 4

Define <b>figured bass</b>

Answer 4

a type of musical shorthand developed in the Baroque era

numbers are placed below the bass line to show harmonic progression

performed or “realized” by the <i>basso continuo</i>

provides the structure for guided improvisation

Question 5

Define <b>the “Affections”</b> (Affects)

Answer 5

a Baroque philosophy inspired by ancient Greek and Roman writers and orators

refers to emotional states of the soul

in Baroque music, a single “affection” (one clear emotion) is usually projected through an entire composition or movement

vocal music depicted the emotions of the text or dramatic situations

was a reaction against the complex polyphony of Renaissance music

also referred to as the “Doctrine of Affections”

Question 6

Define <b>ornamentation</b>

Answer 6

the embellishment of a melody, either by adding notes or by modifying rhythms

Question 7

Define <b>harpsichord</b>

Answer 7

keyboard musical instrument in which strings are set in vibration by plucking

It was one of the most important keyboard instruments in European music from the 16th through the first half of the 18th century