music of the baroque period - brian wuttke · characteristics of baroque music • unity of 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 décor

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 Cöthen– 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 – Bourrée• Fifth Movement - Gigue

BachBach’’s Lasting Influences Lasting Influence►►BachBach’’s music has been experienced by s music has been experienced by

musicians around the world.musicians around the world.►►BachBach’’s 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).• England’s 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.

Handel’s 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