Baroque Music Overview

Overview

This lecture covers the key features, historical context, notable composers, and important musical forms of the Baroque period (1685–1750).

The term "Baroque" comes from the Portuguese word for "irregularly shaped pearl."
Baroque art and music are known for grandeur, elaborate ornamentation, and excessive detail.
The period saw the development of new instrumental techniques and changes in musical notation.
Major and minor tonalities (scales) were established during this era.

Baroque music features contrapuntal textures (multiple independent melodies) with some homophonic (chordal) elements.
Music often uses dynamic contrasts (changes in volume and energy).
Orchestras were mainly composed of strings and continuo (bass instrument, harpsichord, or organ).
Harpsichord and organ were commonly used keyboard instruments.

Concerto: Orchestral work featuring a solo instrument with orchestra accompaniment.
Concerto Grosso: Orchestral work contrasting a small group of soloists (concertino) with the full orchestra (tutti).
Fugue: Contrapuntal composition developed mainly with imitative counterpoint and a recurring main theme (subject).
Oratorio: Large-scale musical composition for orchestra and voices with religious themes, usually performed without costumes, sets, or acting.

Johann Sebastian Bach: Known for the Brandenburg Concertos, Mass in B Minor, and various cantatas; skilled violinist and harpsichordist.
Antonio Vivaldi: Italian composer and Catholic priest, known for violin concertos like The Four Seasons and nicknamed "The Red Priest."
George Frideric Handel: German composer recognized for oratorios like Messiah, Samson, and Israel in Egypt; skilled organist and harpsichordist.

Baroque — Style known for ornate detail and complexity, spanning roughly 1685–1750 in music and art.
Contrapuntal — Musical texture where two or more independent melodies are played together.
Homophony — Musical texture with one main melody and accompanying chords.
Concerto — Orchestral piece featuring a solo instrument with ensemble accompaniment.
Concerto Grosso — Orchestral form contrasting a small group of soloists with the full orchestra.
Fugue — Polyphonic composition built on a main theme introduced by one part and imitated by others.
Oratorio — Large-scale dramatic musical work for orchestra and chorus, usually on a sacred topic, performed without staging.