Music of the Baroque Period Part 1: Musical Form

Transcription

1 Music of the Baroque Period Part 1: Musical Form

2 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

3 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

4 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

5 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

6 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

7 Sacred vs. Secular Music in Society Instrumental music popular in Protestant churches Sacred music tries to appeal to everyone Secular music becomes more sophisticated

8 Music in Society Freelance Musician Self-employed musicians contract out their services (usually as composers or teachers)

9 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

10 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

11 Music of the Baroque Period Part 2: Instrumental Music of Vivaldi and Bach

12 Three Baroque Giants

13 Antonio Vivaldi ( ) Italian composer, The Red Priest Taught at an all girls orphanage Spring from The Four Seasons (pages ). 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)

14 J. S. Bach ( ) German composer, worked as church musician Performed on organ and clavichord. Style considered old-fashioned during his lifetime Prolific composer: known compositions Family man: married twice, 20 children, 4 who became musicians

15 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

16 Bach s s Lasting Influence Bach s s music has been experienced by musicians around the world. Bach s s music has been adapted to just about every musical style imaginable. Two Two of Bach's pieces placed on the Golden Record 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

17 Music of the Baroque Period Part 3: Vocal Music of Handel

18 Three Baroque Giants

19 G. F. Handel ( ) 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.

20 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