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  • Baroque Musical Period Introduction
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  • Piece: Rondeau
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BAROQUE MUSICAL STYLE CHARACTERISTICS

SECTION 2.2

PERFORMING MEDIUM: Vocal and instrumental music were both prominent during this era, and ensembles such as chamber orchestras became popular (the term chamber orchestra was used to describe a small number of instrumentalists who could fit in a room or small hall). Strings were the main section of the chamber orchestra, and woodwinds and brass were used for solo effects. Other performance groups included solo instruments with chamber orchestra (concerto grosso); soloist and orchestra; chorus and chamber orchestra; organ, and harpsichord.

RHYTHM: Energetic, driving rhythms were frequently used during the Baroque period. Short, melodic and rhythmic phrases were commonplace, including the basso ostinato, a melody set over a repeated bass pattern. Meters such as 2, 3, 4 and 6 were typical, tempos were faster and slower than earlier periods, and the tempo would often slow towards the end of a piece.

MELODY: Major and minor melodies were used, and emotion was frequently expressed through melodic devices such as dissonant intervals. Melodic range during the Baroque era expanded from earlier periods, and techniques such as sequence and imitation were used in constructing melodies. Ornamentation was frequently used, including improvisation. Expressive tools such as dynamics were generally either loud or soft, and gradual increases in dynamics were seldom found.

HARMONY: Major and minor scales were generally used as the basis for the tonal centers of pieces. Cadences at the end of sections were strong, and harmonic movement often included modulations and harmonic sequences (repetition of a series of chords at a higher or lower pitch).

TEXTURE: Baroque texture was often polyphonic (a form of musical texture with several interdependent, overlapping melodic lines), with multiple melodies and countermelodies, a continuous bass line, and occasional homophony (musical texture with a melody and chordal accompaniment).

FORM: Detailed forms included two and three-part forms, and large forms included: sonata, suite, concerto, concerto grosso, oratorio, cantata, opera and fugue.