Baroque Music

1600-1750

‘Baroque’ probably comes from a Portuguese word, barocco, meaning an irregularly-shaped pearl or piece of jewellery. It was first used in connection with the highly ornamented style of architecture and art of the 17th century. Later on, musicians came to use the word ‘Baroque’ to describe the period of musical history from the birth of opera and oratorio to the death of J .S. Bach.

It was during the 17th century that the system of modes finally crumbled away. Composers had grown accustomed to sharpening a note here and flattening a note there, with the result that modes lost their individual characters and came to sound like two modes only - the Ionian and Aeolian. From these grew the major-minor key system upon which harmony was based for the next two centuries.

The 17th century also saw the invention of several new forms and designs, including opera, oratorio, fugue, the suite, sonata and concerto.

The violin family replaced the viols. And the orchestra gradually started to take shape, with a strong section of strings as its foundation - though the other sections were as yet not standardised.

All these experiments and changes prepared the musical ground for the two giants of later Baroque music: Bach and Handel.

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Characteristics of Baroque Music

Instruments

violin family (strings) as foundation of an orchestra (10-20 players)

optional instruments including flutes (or recorders), oboes, bassoons, horns, trumpet, kettle drums, etc.

continuo instruments including harpsichord, organ or lute

basso continuo

uses Baroque pitch (e.g. A=415Hz or lower) and unequal temperament

Melody

two main types: melodies with balanced phrases and continuously spinning-out (Fortspinnung) melodies

use of ornaments, especially in repeats

Harmony and tonality

major-minor tonal system established

mostly diatonic, dissonance and chromaticism harmony used for expressive effect

bass line as foundation: basso continuo and figured bass

frequent use of circle of fifths harmonic sequence

Tempo, metre and rhythm

single regular pulse maintained throughout an entire movement → motoric rhythm

Texture

a thinner, homophonic texture in the early Baroque period

polyphonic textures, often fugal

concertato contrast between different instrumental /vocal combinations

Dynamics and expressions

terraced dynamics – abrupt contrasts between loud and soft

one affection or mood persists throughout an entire piece