Baroque Terms Flashcards
1
Q
Baroque
A
- from the Portuguese barroco 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 and early 18th centuries
2
Q
Figured Bass
A
- a musical shorthand developed in the Baroque era
- numbers are placed below the bass line to show harmonic progression
- performed or realized by the basso continuo
- provides the structure for the guided improvisation
3
Q
Basso Continuo
A
- 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
4
Q
Homophonic Texture
A
- a single line of melody supported by a harmonic accompaniment
5
Q
Polyphonic Texture
A
a combination of two or more melodic lines
6
Q
the affections (the affects)
A
- also referred to as the “Doctrine of the Affections” or “the affects”
- a Baroque philosophy inspired by ancient Greek and Roman writers and orators
- refers to the emotional states of the soul
- in Baroque music, a single “affection” or “affect” (one clear emotion) is usually projected through an entire composition or movement
7
Q
Ornamentation
A
- musical embellishment to decorate a melodic line
- either represented with symbols or improvised
8
Q
Ritornello Form
A
- a structure employed in the first and third movements of the Baroque concerto
- the opening passage (ritornello) is restated throughout the movement, serving as a refrain
9
Q
Ripieno
A
- Italian for “full” or “complete”
- a term used to denote the use of the full orchestra in the Baroque concerto
10
Q
Ostinato
A
- Italian for “obstinate” or “persistent”
- a rhythmic or melodic patterns repeated for an extended period
11
Q
Pedal Point
A
a note, or a series of notes, sustained through harmony changes in other parts
12
Q
Idiomatic Writing
A
- highlights the unique technical capabilities of an instrument in the style of writing
- opposite of “generic”
- developed in the Baroque era
13
Q
Programmatic Writing
A
- music with a descriptive element, inspired by extramusical associations, like a story or a painting
- evolved into a significant feature of the 19th-century instrumental writing (program music)
14
Q
Equal Temperament
A
- a method of tuning keyboard instruments
- the octave is divided into twelve equal semitones
- facilitated the composition and performance of music in all keys
15
Q
Clavier
A
a German word for keyboard instruments other than the organ
16
Q
Counterpoint
A
- combination of two or more independent melodic lines
- also referred to as “polyphonic texture”
17
Q
Subject
A
- the initial statement of the main theme of a fugue
- in the tonic key
18
Q
Real Answer
A
the exact transposition of the subject
19
Q
Tonal Answer
A
a statement of the subject in which one or more intervals is adjusted to accommodate the harmony
20
Q
Countersubject
A
a recurring countermelody; accompanies entries of the subject and answer
21
Q
Episode
A
- a passage within a fugue in which neither subject nor answer is present
- frequently sequential
22
Q
French Overture
A
- a Baroque orchestral genre, often the orchestral introduction to an opera or oratorio
- first developed at the court of Louis XIV by Jean-Baptiste Lully
- generally in two parts:
first part - slow tempo, homophonic, texture, features dotted figures
second part – fast tempo, imitative texture
23
Q
Libretto
A
- the text of an opera, oratorio or cantata
- usually written by someone other than the composer
24
Q
Recitative
A
- a speech-like style of singing used in operas, oratorios, and cantatas
- follows inflections of the text, resulting in rhythmic flexibility
- usually used to advance the plot or storyline
- moves through text quickly
25
Q
Recitativo Secco
A
- Italian for “dry recitative”
- a speech-like, declamatory style of singing
- supported only by continuo
- employed in opera, oratorio, and cantata
26
Q
Recitativo Accompagnato
A
- Italian for “accompanied recitative”
- a speech-like, declamatory style of singing
- supported by instrumental ensemble or orchestra
- allows for greater connection with the text
- employed in opera, oratorio, and cantata
27
Q
Aria
A
- Italian for “air”
- a solo song with accompaniment, heard in an opera, oratorio or cantata
- highly emotional and often virtuosic
- may have lyrical or dramatic qualities
- often serves to reveal the character’s most intimate emotions
28
Q
Da Capo Aria
A
- an aria (solo song) employing a ternary (ABA) structure
- in performance, the return of Section A is generally ornamented
- the most common type of aria in Baroque opera and oratorio
29
Q
Word Painting
A
- musical pictorialization
- the music mirrors the literal meaning of the words
- achieved through melody, harmony or rhythm
30
Q
Melisma
A
- a group of notes sung on a single syllable/vowel
- demonstrates vocal virtuosity and often serves to highlight key words
