The Baroque Era

Question 1

When did the Baroque Era occur?

Answer 1

1600-1750

Question 2

Dynamics in the Baroque Era

Answer 2

Lack of crescendos and diminuendos
Sudden changes in dynamics (terraced dynamics - piano to forte and vice versa)

Question 3

Composers of the Baroque Era

Answer 3

J.S Bach
G.F Handel
A. Vivaldi
J. Pachelbel
C. Monteverdi

Question 4

Texture in the Baroque Era

Answer 4

Counterpoint is used quite often
Mainly polyphonic textures are used, but homophonic textures are also used
Frequent imitation

Question 5

Tempo and Rhythm in the Baroque Era

Answer 5

Continuous rhythmic patterns
Either fast or slow (same mood throughout)
No accelerandos or rallendandos

Question 6

Melody in the Baroque Era

Answer 6

Lots of ornamentation (trills, mordents, turns) and grace notes
Sequences are often used
Melodies were often quite complex and elaborate

Question 7

What is basso continuo?

Answer 7

A continuous bass line played mainly by the cello and harpsichord (C - bass line and H - chords, which can also be played by organs and lutes), and were used to fill out the harmonies
It gives the piece a sense of moving forward.
The chords were improvised from the bass line with the help of figured bass notation (a series of numbers and symbols under many bass notes indicating the type of chord to be played)

Question 8

Harmony and Tonality in the Baroque Era

Answer 8

Music is clearly either major or minor
Tierce de Picardie used (A major ending in a minor key)

Question 9

The Orchestra in the Baroque Era

Answer 9

Strings were the backbone of the orchestra, with 1st violins often taking the melody in orchestral music.
Relative lack of percussion compared to later eras - the timpani was the only percussion instrument used, and it played the tonic and dominant notes to reinforce the cadences
Valveless (natural) trumpets were used - they were high-pitched and could only play a few notes (usually played notes 1,3 and 5)
Trumpets and timpani were many used for special occasions
Recorders, wooden flutes, oboes and bassoons were used
The organ and harpsichord were the main keyboard instruments, with the harpsichord player often leading the orchestra
The orchestra was quite small
Lutes were used mainly for solo and accompaniment.