Music of the Baroque Period - Brian Wuttke · Characteristics of Baroque Music • Unity of Mood...
Transcript of 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