Baroque Period

Question 1

What is the Baroque Period?

Answer 1

This is the period of music referring to music and composers between 1600-1750

Question 2

What is a Concerto?

Answer 2

A solo piece that is composed for one or more instruments accompanied by an orchestra and can be written for any instrument

Question 3

What is a Sonata?

Answer 3

A piece usually written to be performed by a soloist and is made up of several movements

Question 4

What is a Movement?

Answer 4

Could be described as a chapter within the piece

Question 5

What are the Features of Baroque Music?

Answer 5

• Music was organised, elaborate and dramatic
• New styles such as the concerto and sonata were introduced
• The harpsichord was commonly used
• Harmonies were incorporated

Question 6

What are the Features of the Baroque Orchestra?

Answer 6

• Had 10-40 players
• Instrumentation varied from piece to piece
• Always had basso continuo( harpsichord+cello, bass, bassoon) and upper strings(violin and viola)
• Use of other instruments was varied and could include: recorders, flutes, oboes, trumpets, horns, trombones and timpani).
• 4 section orchestra (strings, woodwind, brass, percussion) became standard by the end of this era.

Question 7

What was Music like in the Baroque Society?

Answer 7

• Music was written to order for specific events.
• Audiences and performers wanted new music each time.
• Opera houses were built
• Musicians were often trained by family members or through apprentice ships.
• Women were not permitted to be music directors or instrumentalists in opera orchestras or courts

Question 8

What are the Baroque Instrumental Genres?

Answer 8

• Concertos(Concerto Grosso, Solo Concerto)
• Fugue
• Opera
• Sonata
• Suite
• Orchestra was born in the Baroque Period
• Operas were based upon Roman or Greek mythology