Terms

Question 1

Baroque

Answer 1

• 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

Question 2

basso continuo

Answer 2

• Baroque performance practice
• Generally involves two performers — one playing the notated baseline, one realizing the harmonies as indicated by the figured bass
• Harmonies usually play on harpsichord or organ
• Provides harmonic framework

Question 3

major-minor tonal system

Answer 3

• Music based on major and minor scales

* Gradually replaced the modal language that had been favoured up to this time

Question 4

terraced dynamics

Answer 4

• Baroque practice of changing volume levels abruptly

* Results in stark contrast rather than gradual change

Question 5

figured bass

Answer 5

• A musical shorthand developed in the Baroque era
• Numbers are placed below the baseline to show harmonic progression
• Performed or realized by the basso continuo
• Provides a structure for guided improvisation

Question 6

the Affections

Answer 6

• Also referred to as the “doctrine of affections” or the “affects”
• A Baroque philosophy inspired by ancient Greek and Roman writers and orators
• Refers to emotional states of the soul
• In Baroque music, a single “affection” or “affect” (one clear emotion) is usually projected through an entire composition of movement

Question 7

ornamentation

Answer 7

• Music embellishment to decorate a melodic line

* Either represented with symbols or improvised

Question 8

monophonic texture

Answer 8

• A single line of unaccompanied melody

Question 9

polyphonic texture

Answer 9

• A combination of two or more melodic lines

Question 10

homophonic texture

Answer 10

• A single line of melody supported by a harmonic accompaniment

Question 11

concerto

Answer 11

• A popular instrumental genre of the Baroque era for soloists and orchestra
• Generally in three movements: fast-slow-fast
• Frequently employed ritarnello form
• Intended to showcase the virtuosity of the soloists

Question 12

ritornello form

Answer 12

• A structure employed in the first and third movement of the baroque concerto
• The opening passage is restated throughout the movement serving as a refrain

Question 13

ripieno

Answer 13

• Italian for “full” or “complete”

* A term used to denote the use of the full orchestra in the baroque concerto

Question 14

ostinato

Answer 14

• Italian for “obstinate” or “persistent”

* A rhythmic or melodic pattern repeated for an extended period

Question 15

pedal point

Answer 15

• A note, or series of notes, sustained through harmony changes in other parts

Question 16

programmatic writing

Answer 16

• Music with a descriptive element, inspired by extramusical associations, like a story or painting
• Evolved into a significant feature of 19th-century instrumental writing (program music)

Question 17

idiomatic writing

Answer 17

• Highlights the unique technical capabilities of an instrument in the style of writing
• Opposite of “generic”
• Developed in the Baroque era