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The baroque musical period
Started with the apperance of opera and ended with the death of Johann Sebastian Bach -
Basso continuo
It is a kind of accompaniment that consits on chords and the base melody performed by a harpsichord or an organ. Frecuently the base melody appears reinforced by a lower instrument, like double bass, for example. -
Opera in the Baroque
The opera is a secular vocal form that aimed to revive classical Greek theatre. It first appard in Italy as along narrative composition, performed on stage. -
Baroque instrumental music
Became more important thanks to tecnical developmentsin instruments and the work of the luthiers. Another important reason was that performances start to specialise and the firts virtuosos appeard. -
Religious vocal music in the baroque
Cantataa. consisted of a sequence of recitatives, arias and choruses
oratorio: was similar to opera, but with a religious plot, a narrator and a large choir.
Passion. similar to oratorio but related only the death and passion of Christ -
Characteristics of Baroque music
-It aimed to arouse emotions and musical performances spectacular.
-It used contrasting elements and overelaborate melodies.
-It was based on the diatonic scales that we know.
-It had an insistent, mechanical rhythm with strong repeated beats.
- The predominant texture was melody-dominated homophony. -
Instrumental forms
Fugue: one movement based on the same musical idea performed by different parts that started at different times and overlapped, giving imitative counterpoint.
Suite: a series of various dances with different characters, rhythms and tempos.
Sonata: four movements alternating between slow and fast tempos.
Concerto: consists of three constrasting movements (allegro, lento and allegro)
