Composers of the Baroque
Considered the most influential composer of the early Baroque.
Claudio Monteverdi
What two keyboard instruments were important in the Baroque
Organ and Harpsicord
Where did opera start?
Florence, Italy by the nobleman
What is an Opera?
A dramatic work in one or more acts, set to music for singers and instrumentalists.
What composer wrote "Hornpipe" from water music?
Handel
Wrote Canon in D and was Bach's teacher
Johann Pachelbel
Name the 3 Characteristics of Baroque Style
Grandiose Dimensions, Love of Drama, Religious Intensity
What is the text of an opera?
Libretto
What is a Cantata?
Sizable work, sacred, or secular, that is sung.
What senses does the opera appeal to?
sight and sound (eyes and ears)
Promoted the technical and tonal capabilities of the violin
Arcangelo Corelli
Name 3 of the 7 characteristics of Baroque Music
Homophony, Recitative, Metrical Rhythm Major/Minor Keys, Tonal Center, Modulation, Doctrine of Affections
Name 2 of the 4 Operatic Conventions (acceptions)
All the words are sung
The style of singing is powerful and dramatic
Often the words of an opera are not in English
Time jumps
What are Terraced Dynamics?
Abrupt changes of dynamic levels
How does opera compare to modern-day movies?
Dramatic
Music
Beyond ordinary life
Wrote many important pieces in his short life such as "Dido's Lament". Trained as a choir boy but his voiced changed very early
Henry Purcell
How are Arias different then recitatives
Usually follow a form like ABA
Name 3 of the 5 Elements of Opera
Voices and Roles
Ensembles
The Orchestra
The Libretto
Staging
What is an Oratorio?
Lengthy musical work for voices and orchestra
Name one of the Intellectual developments of the Baroque
Theory of gravity
Theories of movements of the planets
Electricity introduced into the language
The cellular structure of plants described
Chemistry
circulation of blood described
calculus
geometry
One of the most known and influential composers. He wrote Cantata No. 140 and many other well-known pieces
J.S. Bach
How is a chorale-hymn different from Gregorian Chant
A hymn has a regular rhythm, it is in German or another vernacular language, it has several verses of words for the same melody, and it can be accompanied by organ or other instrument
Who sings these roles:
Lead Males
Lead Females
Authority Figures
Tenors
Sopranos
altos/bases
What is an Ostinato?
A short phrase of music that is repeated again and again
What was the patronage system?
Composers worked for one person and were required to write music at their master's will. Their creativity was often smothered due to short deadlines and being required to keep their masters happy.