Music of the Baroque Period - Brian .Characteristics of Baroque Music • Unity of Mood – One mood

Music of the Baroque Period1600 1750

Part 1: Musical Form

The Meaning of Baroque

Derived from: Portuguese word barroco Spanish word barrueco French word baroque

Refers to a rough or imperfect pearl Elaborate, ornate style with many details. Video Example 1: Baroque Artwork Video Example 2: Versailles

Characteristics of Baroque Music

Unity of Mood One mood expressed throughout (for

example: joy or grief) Known as the affections

Rhythm Rhythmic patterns are

typically repeated Melody

Embellished & ornate like architectural dcor

Characteristics of Baroque Music Dynamics

Typically stable, when change does occur it is abrupt Sudden changes are known as terraced dynamics.

Texture Mostly polyphonic Homophony becomes popular in the Protestant church

Characteristics of Baroque Music Accompaniment

Harpsichord and organ are popular instruments The basso continuo depicts symbols indicating what

chords are played above the bass line. Words & Music

Tradition of word painting continues Words are emphasized through repetition

Music in Society Professionals vs. Amateurs

Music was an important distraction Professionals earned salary working for

nobility or church Amateur musicians often performed with

municipal bands

Music in Society Sacred vs. Secular

Instrumental music popular in Protestant churches

Sacred music tries to appeal to everyone Secular music becomes more sophisticated

Music in Society

Freelance Musician Self-employed musicians

contract out their services (usually as composers or teachers)

The Concerto Grosso The Baroque Orchestra

Strings: violin, viola, cello and bass. Woodwinds: flute (recorder), oboe, bassoon Brass: trumpet (no valves), Trombone, Horn (no valves) Percussion: timpani

Ritornello Form based upon alternating sections of tutti (or group)

and solo (or soli) passages J. S. Bach, Brandenburg Concerto No. 5

Composed for Prince of Cthen Featured the string orchestra and soloists. Soloists: flute, violin & harpsichord Listening Guide pp. 105-106

The Fugue (Characteristics) Imitative Polyphony Features 3, 4 or 5 voices Subject and Answer Manipulating the Subject

Inversion

Retrograde

Augmentation

Diminution

LISTENING EXAMPLE

Little Fugue in G Minor

by J.S. Bach

Listening Guide

pp. 109-110

Music of the Baroque Period1600 1750

Part 2: Instrumental Music of Vivaldi and Bach

Three Baroque Giants

Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741)

Italian composer, The Red Priest Taught at an all girls orphanage Spring from The Four Seasons (pages 126-129).

Concerto: multi-movement work for solo instrument (violin) and orchestra

Three movements Allegro (Fast) Largo e pianissimo (Slow and very soft) Danza pastorale (Pastoral dance)

J. S. Bach (1685-1750) German composer, worked as church musician Performed on organ and clavichord. Style considered old-fashioned during his lifetime Prolific composer: 1000+ known compositions Family man: married twice, 20 children, 4 who became musicians

Bach: Listening Examples

Suite No. 3 in D Major Listening guide page 133 Instrumentation: 2 oboes, 3 trumpets, timpani,

strings and basso continuo. Five Movements

First Movement Overture Second Movement Air Third Movement Gavotte Fourth Movement Bourre Fifth Movement - Gigue

BachBachs Lasting Influences Lasting InfluenceBachBachs music has been experienced by s music has been experienced by

musicians around the world.musicians around the world.BachBachs music has been adapted to just s music has been adapted to just

about every musical style imaginable.about every musical style imaginable.Two of Bach's pieces placed on the Two of Bach's pieces placed on the

Golden RecordGolden Record aboard Voyager. aboard Voyager.

VIDEO 1: Air on G String

VIDEO 2: Swingle Singers

VIDEO 3: Yngwie Malmsteen

VIDEO 4: Bobby McFerrin

VIDEO 5: Brandenburg Concerto No. 3

Music of the Baroque Period1600 1750

Part 3: Vocal Musicof Handel

Three Baroque Giants

G. F. Handel (1685-1759)

Born in Halle, Germany. Later became English citizen (1712). Englands most important composer. Air from Water Music (VIDEO EXAMPLE)

Performed on barges on the Thames river. La Rejouissance from Music for the

Royal Fireworks (VIDEO EXAMPLE)12,000 people came to listen, 3 died.

Handels Messiah 1741 Oratorio dramatic vocal work based

on a religious text. Still performed today, usually at

Easter, sometimes at Christmas. Hallelujah chorus from Messiah is

widely recognized as a masterpiece. Listening guide on page 144. VIDEO EXAMPLE

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