The Baroque Era Flashcards
1
Q
What years did the Baroque Era begin and end? Give an approximation if no exact date.
A
ca 1600s- ca 1750
2
Q
Baroque.
A
- from the Portuguese word ‘barroco’ meaning “irregularly shaped pearl”
- used first as a derogatory term in reference to the overly ornate art of the era
3
Q
Major-Minor Tonal System
A
- music based on major and minor scales
- gradually replaces favored modal language
4
Q
Terraced Dynamics
A
- baroque practice of changing volume levels abruptly
- results in stark contrast rather than gradual change
5
Q
Figured Bass
A
- musical shorthand
6
Q
Basso Continuo
A
- baroque performance practice, generally involving two players: one playing the bass line, the other realizing the harmonies as indicated by the figured bass.
- harmonies typically played on harpsichord or organ and provides harmonic framework
7
Q
Homophonic Texture
A
- a single line of melody supported by a harmonic accompaniment
8
Q
Polyphonic Texture
A
- a combination of two or more melodic lines
9
Q
Monophonic Texture (extra)
A
- a single line of unaccompanied melody.
10
Q
The Affections
A
- also referred to as the “Doctrine of Affections” or “the affects”, it is a Baroque philosophy inspired by ancient Greek and Roman writers and orators.
- A single “affection” or “affect is projected through an entire composition or movement
11
Q
Ornamentation
A
- musical embellishment to decorate a melodic line
- either represented with symbols or improvised
