The Baroque Period Definitions

Question 1

Suite? Type of work.

Answer 1

Collection of dances in a similar key, time or form. Minuet.

Question 2

Sonata?

Answer 2

Instrumental piece for solo instrument usually in three movements

• 1st movement-fast
• 2nd movement-slow
• 3rd movement-fast

Question 3

Concerto?

Answer 3

Piece of instrumental music composed for a soloist and orchestra, often includes technically demanding passages for the soloist to play.

Question 4

Concerto grosso?

Answer 4

Piece of instrumental music composed for a group of soloists and orchestra.

Question 5

Fugue?

Answer 5

Piece of instrumental music with several main themes which overlap with one another to create staggered entry patterns. Polyphonic texture. Used commonly by J.S. Bach.

Question 6

Opera?

Answer 6

Musical drama sung by soloists SATB and chorus with orchestra. Uses costumes, on a stage, with lighting, props etc…..

Question 7

Oratorio?

Answer 7

Musical drama based on religious text for soloists SATB and chorus with orchestra. No costumes or props etc…… and it is performed in a church.

Question 8

Cantata?

Answer 8

Group or a set of vocal pieces for soloists SATB and full orchestra.

Question 9

Aria? 2 Types of Work?

Answer 9

Solo song sung by S/A/T/B to show off singing ability. Opera or Oratorio.

Question 10

Recitative? 2 Types of work?

Answer 10

A sing song speech like chant sung by S/A/T/B to tell a story.
Opera or Oratorio. Comes before an aria.

Question 11

Continuo?

Answer 11

A continual harmonic support provided by the cello and the harpsichord.

Question 12

Ritornello?

Answer 12

A recurring theme heard in between various episodes. Means “a little return”. Often used on a large scale in a rondo form.

Question 13

Double Stopping?

Answer 13

Playing multiple notes at once with the bow to create a chord.

Question 14

Secco?

Answer 14

Minimum accompaniment.

Question 15

Accompagando?

Answer 15

Maximum accompaniment.

Question 16

Overture

Answer 16

An instrumental piece of music played by full orchestra to open an opera or oratorio.

Question 17

Da capo aria?

Answer 17

The da capo aria is a musical form of aria. Sung by SATB soloist and accompanied by instruments of the orchestra often a small orchestra. It is in ternary form.

Question 18

Counterpoint? A type of work?

Answer 18

Two intertwining melody’s in different hands that combine to create musical harmony. Often contains contrast between the melody’s and elements of fugue. Type of Work: Fugue.