Characteristics of Baroque Music

Overview of the Baroque Period

• Time Frame: Followed the Renaissance; lasted until 1750, leading into the Classical period.
• Musical Progression: Built on forms, structures, and conventions from the Renaissance.
• Art Forms: Baroque applies to architecture, painting, and sculpture, as well as music.

Emotional Expression in Music

• Characteristics: More emotional and expressive than Renaissance music.
• Key Features: Contrast, dynamism, and variety.
• Counterpoint: Extensive use of counterpoint, combining independent melodic lines.

Evolution of Music Genres

• New Forms: Rise of opera, concerto, and sonata.
• Popular Pieces: Many pieces mirrored the opulence of Baroque architecture.
• Movements: Typically followed a fast-slow-fast pattern, often based on earlier dance forms.

Notable Composers

• Antonio Vivaldi: Known for dramatic works like Quattro Stagioni (Four Seasons).
• Arcangelo Corelli: Renowned for Twelve Concerti Grossi, Opus 6; master of the trio sonata.

Dance Influences

• Courtly Dances: Influenced instrumental pieces; included Allemande, Courante, Gigue, and Sarabande.
• Characteristics of Dances:
  • Allemande: Moderate 4/4 time.
  • Sarabande: Slow 3/4 time.
• Bach's Suites: English, French, and German suites demonstrate this influence.

Instrumental Development

• Instruments: Shift from the viol to the violin; development funded by Catherine Medici.
• Notable Makers: Stradivari; harpsichord became central in ensembles (continuo).
• Orchestral Development: Inclusion of double bass, flutes, oboes, trumpets, and timpani.
• Dynamic Range: Improved instruments allowed for greater dynamic contrasts in compositions.

Choral and Sacred Music

• Significance: Sacred music was vital; included the Mass, Cantata, and Oratorio.
• Major Works:
  • Bach: St. Matthew's Passion, Mass in B minor.
  • Handel: Messiah.
  • Vivaldi: Gloria, Rv. 589.
  • Henry Purcell: Notable for anthems and devotional songs; wrote the opera Dido and Aeneas.

Keyboard Music

• Instruments: Harpsichord and organ; known for quick tuning issues.
• Composers: Scarlatti wrote many sonatas; Bach's 48 Preludes and Fugues are well-known keyboard works.
• Musical Features: Complex fugues with polyphonic textures and counterpoint.

Key Musical Techniques

• Sequence: Progression of chords in recognizable patterns; used for color and key changes.
• Imitation: Passages of melody are replicated across instruments, creating imitative textures.
• Vivaldi's Mastery: Recognized as a master of sequence in composition.