Music of The Baroque Period
Music of The Baroque Period
Music of The Baroque Period
PERIOD
Teacher Eugene
WHAT DOES BAROQUE
LITERALLY MEAN?
• The word Baroque is derived from the Portuguese word
“Barroco” which means “pearl of irregular shape.”
• Arts highlighted grandiose and elaborate ornamentation
which clearly seen in the musical compositions created
by Baroque composers.
WHAT HAPPENED DURING
THIS PERIOD?
• New instrumental techniques and changes in musical
notation were developed.
• Major and minor tonality was also created in this period.
• Lots of musical terms and concepts evolved in this era
and are still used today.
CHARACTERISTICS
• Melodies sound elaborate and ornamental
• Melodies are not easy to sing or remember
• Primarily contrapuntal textures with some homophony
• Dynamic contrast – alternation between loud & soft
• 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
2. Ground Bass
4. Fugue
MUSIC GENRE
CONCERTO
• A form of orchestral music that employs a solo
instrument accompanied by an orchestra.
CONCERTO GROSSO
• A form of orchestral music during where in the music is
between a small group of solo instruments called
concertino and the whole orchestra called tutti.
FUGUE
• A contrapuntal piece, developed mainly by imitative
counterpoint.
• Usually written in 3-4 parts with a main theme called
“subject”
• The entire piece grow mainly from a single brief tune of
strong musical character.
ORATORIO
• A large scale musical composition for orchestra and
voices that incorporates narrative on religious themes.
• Unlike usual literal theatrical works, this is usually
performed without the use of costumes, scenery or
action.
• Written in the native language for intended audience.
CHORALE
• Musical compositions that resemble a harmonized
version of hymnal tunes of the Protestant Church during
the Baroque era.
COMPOSERS
JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH
(1685-1750)