UNIT 5: The Baroque Period

The figured bass (also known as thoroughbass) is a musical notation using numbers to indicate chords, intervals, and other aspects in relation to the bass note of the music. The numbers were generally placed under the bass line to indicate the intervals that the bass note should use. The figured bass was closely related to what is known as the basso continuo (or shortened to just continuo). Basso continuo was the harmony of the music. Generally, an instrument that was capable of playing chords played the basso continuo, such as a harpsichord, organ, or harp. Bass instruments, such as a cello or bassoon, might also be included.

Ornamentation is the use of non-necessary musical flourishes, such as trills and grace notes, to the basic melody or harmony. These extra notes, which are not needed in order to carry the basic line of the music, "decorate" the music the way ornaments decorate a Christmas tree.

Oratorios were similar to operas, except that they did not use scenery in the performance. In this sense, they are concert pieces rather than a form of musical theater. Oratorios tended to be serious and dramatic. They were large-scale compositions, including soloists, choirs, and orchestras. Another difference between operas and oratorios was the subject matter. Operas often dealt with history and mythology, using themes of romance and deception. In contrast, oratorios were often on sacred topics. Perhaps the most famous example of an oratorio is Handel's Messiah.

Orchestras are larger instrumental ensembles or groups that contain brass, string, percussion, and woodwind instruments. The developement of orchestras motivated the composers of the baroque period to write specifically for orchestras and made an influence on the types of instruments being created.

An instrumental suite is a series of dances. Different parts of an instrument suite include; Prelude, Allemande, Courante, Sarabande, & Gigue

The use of igured bass and basso continuo

Although we consider some of the music during this period to be artistic masterpieces today, composers and musicians during this time thought of themselves more as craftsmen than artists. They often made their living through patrons or individuals who supported them in exchange for their music. Patrons included not only the wealthy in society, but also the nobility and the church. The music of the period was often composed for specific circumstances, whether it was a party or a religious event. Some composers also worked as music tutors, composing easier compositions for their students. Vivaldi, for example, has a number of pieces that appear to be five-finger exercises composed for his students. Because of the deliberate and specific reasons for compositions, individual pieces were not generally thought of as great compositions that would be played over and over and have a lasting impact. Rather, they were thought of as situation specific, almost as disposable pieces of music.

Two major influences of German Baroque music were the German violin bow and the true chords that were often played. These factors influenced Back specifiably because they made his violin solo more interesting and more accurate. The Church and the Sate also influenced the Baroque music.

Before Bach's time, music had very little base, so no proper foundations (tonality, proper scoring etc.). But after Bach's time, he had made the harpsicord's abilities really stand out with his 48 Preludes and Fugues. After Bach's works, more modulations, techniques and variance of tonal centre were established.

When compared to "classical" performances, modern performances of Baroque music typically use a slower tempi, a similar balance (although recording studios can disrupt the natural balance sometimes, by pushing the harpsichord into the background) and a flatter timbre due to the instruments used in modern times (different materials used)

Having emotion that reflects the music you are playing

Italian composer and violinist. He proved the potentialities of Concerto-Grosso principle. He wrote the first great music for Concerto-Grosso principle.

One of Germany´s most important organ builders. His life and work are closely connected with the development of the culture of baroque music. His organs, the true queens of all musical instruments, can even today be found in many of the churches in the Central Germany. Silbermann's style had a formative influence on the entire art of organ building.

Allemande

Monteverdi

Humorous

Handel

Craftsmen

Yes

Work

Yes

Figured bass

Vivaldi

Dances

Trill