Music Theory/Baroque

Definition Baroque music loosely refers to music from around 1600-1750. Baroque music has distinct features to it such as the use of counterpoint and polyphony. Notable Features Baroque music can often be characterised by a number of common features: Sonority and Instrumentation String instruments usually dominate the sonority. These were the primary instruments available at the time. Later in the Baroque period, more woodwind instruments were used, such as the flute, oboe, and bassoon, but strings remained the dominant section. Vocal parts. Vocal music was also very popular in the Baroque Era, especially that written for solo voice and SATB choirs. Melody Repetition. Phrases are often repeated. Indeed, the structure of many Baroque pieces enabled for repeats of sections Extensive use of ornamentation. The Baroque period truly began the widespread use of ornamentation of melodies for dramatic effect. Harmony Diatonic harmony. Harmony is plain and simple, but can still be very effective and passionate. Chord choices are limited. High rate of harmonic change. Keys change frequently, and chords are changed rapidly as Baroque pieces progress. Tonality Unlike in previous Eras, there was a move away from modal music. Major and minor tonalities are used completely. The use of cadences became almost clichéd in the Baroque Era, particularly new cadences such as the Phrygian cadence. Texture 4-part textures for large scale works were a composer's "rite of passage". Every major composer wrote some works for 4 part choir or strings. Polyphony was very developed. Fugal writing peaked during the Baroque Era. Structure Recitative continued to be popular. This would be a vocal part accompanied by interspersed continuo chords. Aria. These would have various structures. Some would be in strophic form (verses), although new forms such as ternary (ABA) became popular. Tempo, Rhythm, and Metre All of tempo, rhythm, and metre were very varied. Often, composers took a particular style. Composers Notable composers include:- Gregorio Allegri (1582-1652) Italy Johann Pachelbel (1653-1706) Germany Most famous work is the Canon in D Arcangelo Corelli (1653-1713) Italy Henry Purcell (1659-1695) English Tomaso Albinoni (1671-1751) Italy Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741) Italy G.P. Telemann (1681-1767) Germany Jean-Philippe Rameau (1683-1764) France Domenico Scarlatti (1685-1757) Italy J.S.Bach (1685-1750) Germany Very prolific composer G.F. Handel (1685-1759) Germany Most famous work is the Hallelujah chorus from the Messiah