Characteristics of Baroque Music

Question 1

Melody of the baroque era?

Answer 1

a continous spinning out of a single melodic idea; the original idea is continually developed. Eg. Ritornello then; fugue subject.

Question 2

Important terms of the baroque era?

Answer 2

Repitition
Sequence
Imitation
Ornamentation

Question 3

Rhythm of the baroque era?

Answer 3

Dance rhythms
Forward driving rhythm
Bass line continuous (Basso Continuo)

Question 4

Instrumentation of the baroque era?

Answer 4

Mainly strings, wind and harpsichord with trumpet used as solo instrument.
Conspicuous lack of percussion.

Question 5

Texture of the baroque era?

Answer 5

Both homophonic and polyphonic textures are used.

Question 6

Dynamics of the baroque era?

Answer 6

Terraced dynamics

Increasing or decreasing the number of instruments used to vary the dynamic level.