Definitions

Question 1

Ritornello

Answer 1

An orchestral interlude that contrasts with the small group of soloists. It is a general term that can apply to all concerti.
Example: Vivaldi’s Violin Concerto in Gm.

Question 2

Tombeau

Answer 2

Musical tribute to someone who has passed away, usually with lute music.
Example: Gaultier’s “Tombeau de Mezangeau”

Question 3

Binary Form

Answer 3

A and B section of a piece where each is repeated. Generally has I - V / V - I motion, ends on cadence, and is associated with dance music.
Example: Bach - French Suite

Question 4

Sonata da chiesa

Answer 4

Type of instrumental work with four movements designed for the church. Generally more contrapuntal and uses tempo markings for the names of the movements.
Example: Corelli’s Trio Sonata

Question 5

French Overture

Answer 5

Composition style that is derived from an overture for opera, and has slow to fast fugal sections (first has dotted rhythms, second has imitation).
Example:

Question 6

Allemande

Answer 6

Instrumental German dance movement in binary form, quadruple meter, and moderate/slow tempo.

Question 7

Toccata

Answer 7

Means “to touch”. Type of Italian preludial work played in church. Includes imitation, long scalic passages, virtuosic movement.
Example: Frescobaldi’s Toccata 7

Question 8

Cantata

Answer 8

An Italian music composition intended to be sung. Divided into 3 parts: recitative, aria, recitative.
Example: Bach’s Cantata “Wachet auf”, first movement.

Question 9

Nuove musiche

Answer 9

Book of accompanied song written by Caccini, included a long introduction explaining performance practices and different notation.
Example: Contains Caccini’s solo madrigal Amarilli mia bella.

Question 10

Trio Sonata

Answer 10

Chamber music genre written in 3 parts, with 2 upper parts (treble voices) and one continuo.
Example: Corelli’s Trio Sonata

Question 11

Monody

Answer 11

A solo vocal style, includes a single voice with accompaniment (2 voices). It is an imitation of ancient Greek music.
Example: Caccini’s solo madrigal, “Amarilli mia bella”

Question 12

Giulio Caccini

Answer 12

Early Baroque Italian composer (1551-1618). One of the founders of opera, and helped establish the new monodic music in Italy.
Example: Caccini’s solo madrigal Amarilli mia bella.

Question 13

Concerto

Answer 13

Instrumental work that has a contrast between solo instrument(s) and the larger orchestra (ritornello). Generally includes a 3 movement structure.
Example: Vivaldi’s Violin Concerto in Gm.

Question 14

Florentine Camerata

Answer 14

A group of humanists, musicians, poets and intellectuals in late Renaissance Florence who gathered to discuss and guide trends in the arts. Proposed a new style of singing - recitative style. Wanted a modern deployment of ancient sources, thus the revival of historic, Greek concepts.

Question 15

Da capo aria

Answer 15

Musical form for arias, in which there were 3 sections: ABA’. A’ would generally involve more ornamentation.