Music Theory/Baroque

Definition

Baroque music loosely refers to music from around 1600-1750. Baroque music has distinct features to it such as the use of counterpoint and polyphony.

Baroque music can often be characterised by a number of common features:

String instruments usually dominate the sonority. These were the primary instruments available at the time.
Later in the Baroque period, more woodwind instruments were used, such as the flute, oboe, and bassoon, but strings remained the dominant section.
Vocal parts. Vocal music was also very popular in the Baroque Era, especially that written for solo voice and SATB choirs.

Repetition. Phrases are often repeated. Indeed, the structure of many Baroque pieces enabled for repeats of sections
Extensive use of ornamentation. The Baroque period truly began the widespread use of ornamentation of melodies for dramatic effect.

Diatonic harmony. Harmony is plain and simple, but can still be very effective and passionate. Chord choices are limited.
High rate of harmonic change. Keys change frequently, and chords are changed rapidly as Baroque pieces progress.

Unlike in previous Eras, there was a move away from modal music. Major and minor tonalities are used completely.
The use of cadences became almost clichéd in the Baroque Era, particularly new cadences such as the Phrygian cadence.

4-part textures for large scale works were a composer's "rite of passage". Every major composer wrote some works for 4 part choir or strings.
Polyphony was very developed. Fugal writing peaked during the Baroque Era.

Recitative continued to be popular. This would be a vocal part accompanied by interspersed continuo chords.
Aria. These would have various structures. Some would be in strophic form (verses), although new forms such as ternary (ABA) became popular.

All of tempo, rhythm, and metre were very varied. Often, composers took a particular style.

Notable composers include:-

Gregorio Allegri (1582-1652) Italy
Johann Pachelbel (1653-1706) Germany Most famous work is the Canon in D
Arcangelo Corelli (1653-1713) Italy
Henry Purcell (1659-1695) English
Tomaso Albinoni (1671-1751) Italy
Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741) Italy
G.P. Telemann (1681-1767) Germany
Jean-Philippe Rameau (1683-1764) France
Domenico Scarlatti (1685-1757) Italy
J.S.Bach (1685-1750) Germany Very prolific composer
G.F. Handel (1685-1759) Germany Most famous work is the Hallelujah chorus from the Messiah

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