Musical Style Summary

Question 1

Antonio Vivaldi

Born 1678-1741 (63 years old)

Venice, Italy

Answer 1

Used Word Painting with words of the poems printed into the score (The Four Seasons)

Established Ritornello form; ritornello theme (orchestra) alternates with the contrasting material (soloist)

Aria melodies feature asymmetrical structures, extending phrases longer than the ear expects

Idiomatic violin techniques: arpeggios, tremelo, pizzicato, double stops, rapid scale passages, contrasting registers, etc.

Question 2

When was Vivaldi born?

Answer 2

Born 1678

Question 3

When did Vivaldi die?

Answer 3

1741

Question 4

How old was Vivaldi when he died?

Answer 4

63 years old.

Question 5

George Frideric Handel

1685 - 1759 (74)

Halle, Germany

Answer 5

Used Da Capo Aria form, embellishments in last A section for virtuoso display

Oratoria choruses feature contrast between polyphonic and homophonic/homorhythmic settings

Music has rhythmic vitality and drive that characterize the Baroque

Melodically/Harmonically diatonic, compared to Bach’s chromaticism

Works for outdoor occasions feature strong gestures, create pillars of sound

Used Arioso style of singing, soaring melody over chordal accompaniment

Question 6

When was Handel born?

Answer 6

Born 1685

Question 7

When did Handel die?

Answer 7

1759

Question 8

Where was Handel born?

Answer 8

Halle, Germany

Question 9

How old was Handel when he died?

Answer 9

74 years old.

Question 10

Where was Vivaldi born?

Answer 10

Venice, Italy