Baroque
Between which years did the Baroque musical period approximately develop?
Between 1600 and 1750.
What is the first degree of the scale called and what is its function?
The tonic; it provides a sense of rest and resolution.
What was the predominant texture in Baroque music?
Melody-dominated homophony.
Which instrumental family formed the core of the Baroque orchestra?
The string family.
What is the semi-sung operatic section that advances the plot called?
Recitative
What musical genre marked the beginning of the Baroque period?
Opera
Which scale degree creates tension and instability?
The dominant
What is the harmonic foundation that supports the melody called?
Basso continuo
Which instrument usually led and coordinated the Baroque orchestra?
The harpsichord.
Which vocal section allows expressive display and virtuosity by the soloist?
The aria
Which composer’s death traditionally marks the end of the Baroque period?
Johann Sebastian Bach.
What is the cadence called that ends on the dominant chord?
An antecedent cadence
How could the basso continuo be performed?
By a polyphonic instrument, or by a low-register instrument together with a polyphonic one.
What were the main sections of the Baroque orchestra?
Basso continuo, strings, winds and percussion.
What are the main differences between opera seria and opera buffa?
Subject matter, intended audience and language.
Which expressive features define Baroque art in contrast to the Renaissance?
Drama, contrast, movement and over-elaborate ornamentation.
Which type of cadence produces a conclusive effect and which chord does it end on?
A consequent cadence; it ends on the tonic.
What change occurred in the relationship between vocal and instrumental music during the Baroque?
Instrumental music became as important as vocal music.
What is the difference between a concerto grosso and a solo concerto?
The dialogue is between the orchestra and a group of soloists versus a single soloist.
Which religious vocal form is similar to opera but is not staged?
The oratorio
Which philosophical currents supported scientific thought during the Baroque period?
Empiricism and rationalism.
How do scale degrees influence the character of musical phrases?
They determine whether phrases are antecedent or consequent.
Which rhythmic and melodic characteristics define Baroque musical style?
nsistent, mechanical rhythm, frequent contrasts and highly ornamented melodies.
Which Baroque instrumental form is based on imitative counterpoint and a single musical idea?
The fugue
Which Baroque dance is of Spanish origin, in triple metre and slow tempo?
The chaconne