The Baroque period of music lasted from around 1685 to 1750. During this time, music became more elaborate and ornamental. New techniques like major and minor tonality were developed, and instruments like the harpsichord and organ were commonly used. Some common musical forms that emerged in this period include the concerto, fugue, oratorio, and chorale. Famous Baroque composers included [COMPOSER NAMES], and the period saw the development of new genres like the concerto grosso and changes to musical notation that are still used today.
4. The word Baroque is derived from the
Portuguese word “barroco” which
means “pearl of irregular shape”.
5. During this time, the arts highlighted
grandiose and elaborate
ornamentation. These were clearly
seen in the musical compositions
created by Baroque composers.
6. New instrumental techniques and
changes in musical notation were
developed. Major and minor tonality
was also created in this period. A lot of
the musical terms and concepts that
evolved in this era are still used today.
7. Characteristics of Baroque Music:
• Melodies sound elaborate and ornamental
• Melodies are not easy to sing or remember
• Primarily contrapuntal textures with some homophony
• Dynamic contrast – alternation between loud and soft
• Music genres—operas, oratorios, suites, tocatas, concertó grosso, fugue
• Orchestra consists of strings and continuo
• Harpsichord and organ are the keyboard instruments that are commonly used
• New forms:
1. binary – AB
2. ternary – ABC
3. ground bass
4. fugue
8. Music Genres of Baroque Music
1. Concerto
– A form of orchestral music that employs a solo instrument accompanied by an
orchestra.
2. Concerto Grosso
- A form of orchestral music during the Baroque Period wherein the music is
between a small group of solo instruments called concertino and the whole
orchestra called tutti.
3. Fugue
– A contrapuntal piece, developed mainly by imitative counterpoint
– It is usually written in 3 or 4 parts, with a main theme called subject”
– The entire piece grows mainly from a single brief tune of strong musical
character
9. Music Genres of Baroque Music
4. Oratorio
– a large scale musical composition for orchestra and voices that
incorporates narratives on religious themes. Unlike usual theatrical works,
this is usually performed without the use of costumes, scenery, or action. It
is usually written in the native language for the intended audience.
5. Chorale
– musical compositions that resemble a harmonized version of hymnal
tunes of the Protestant Church during the Baroque era.