Terms - Sept 20, 2014 (Barroco- Basso Continuo)

Question 1

Barroco (2)

Answer 1

Term “Baroque” evolves from this Portuguese word

Refers to a irregularly shaped pearl used in jewelry; 1600- 1750

Question 2

Binary Form (3)

Answer 2

Baroque form used in dance movements, suites

Two part form (A-B), each section normally repeated

B section explores a contrasting key

Question 3

Ternary Form (3)

Answer 3

Baroque form used in dance movements/suites (Minuet)

A three-part form (A-B-A), statement with A in tonic

Contrast/departure in contrasting key (B), repetition (A)

Question 4

Homophonic Texture (5)

Answer 4

A musical texture, expresses a harmonic progression

A melody predominates, supported with chords

Without melody, the harmony is often arpeggiated as a single affection

Dominant texture of the Classical period

E.g. Bach’s Prelude in C minor (period unspecified, Baroque through 20th century)

Question 5

Polyphonic Texture (4)

Answer 5

Dominant musical texture of Baroque

2 or more independent melodic lines woven together as equals

Melodic interest shifts between voices, also counterpoint and imitation

E.g. Bach’s Fugue in C minor

Question 6

Single Affection (3)

Answer 6

Baroque compositional technique

A piece or section is composed from a single melodic/rhythmic idea

E.g. Vivaldi’s La Primavera or Bach’s Prelude and Fugue in C minor

Question 7

Word Painting (5)

Answer 7

Baroque compositional technique

A musical “pictorialization” of the text

Melody, rhythm and harmony reflect images/emotions

Also known as the Doctrine of “the Affections”

E.g. Vivaldi’s La Primavera or Handel’s Messiah

Question 8

Terraced Dynamics (5)

Answer 8

Baroque Dynamic style

Loud/Soft levels shift abruptly, without gradual crescendo/decrescendo

Full orchestra heard loudly; smaller group softer

Due to dynamic limitations of instruments

E.g. Vivaldi’s La Primavera

Question 9

Figured Bass / Basso Continuo (Thorough Bass) (3)

Answer 9

Baroque musical shorthand/notation system

A bass line, with numerals below referring to the interval above the bass

That interval defines the harmonic progression to be realized by the performer (harpsichord + lute)

Question 10

Basso Continuo (Thorough Bass) (3)

Answer 10

Baroque performance practice requiring 2 musicians

One plays the bass line (cello); one realises the harmony (harpsichord, organ, lute)

E.g. Vivaldi’s La Primavera