Historical Context
The term Baroque means this in Portuguese.
This technique used two instruments (typically a harpsichord and cello) to play a bass-line, accompanying other instruments.
What is basso continuo?
This form is similar to an opera, but religious in nature and featuring no dance or acting. Handel's Messiah is an example of this.
What is an Oratorio?
This composer, who wrote many oratorios, was originally born in Germany but lived and worked in England.
Who is George Friederich Handel?
This instrument, popular in the Baroque era, eventually gave way to the invention of the piano.
What is the Harpsichord?
Music during the baroque period used this technique so that it sounded more gaudy and opulent, which means decorated.
What is "Ornamentation"?
A basso continuo duo of musicians would use this system to "realize" a chord progression from a series of numbers. Essentially a musical shorthand.
What is Figured Bass?
This form refers to a virtuosic, difficult piece for a solo instrumentalist, accompanied by an orchestra.
What is a concerto?
This composer's life is divided into three distinct periods, reflecting where he lived and worked during that era?
Versailles was the name of this type of building, emblematic of the Baroque style.
What is a palace?
This socioeconomic group rose in wealth and power during the Baroque era.
What is the middle class?
This treaty declared that a piece of music should only have one overall mood, as to not overwhelm the listener.
What is the Doctrine of Affections?
String Quartets, Brass trios, and other small ensembles are examples of this large form.
What is Chamber Music?
This composer was a virtuoso violinist in Venice Italy, and also worked as a priest and a teacher during his life.
Who was Antonio Vivaldi?
What is a Fugue?
While Germany was not as powerful during this time period, these two countries rose in power and cultural importance.
What are Italy and England?
This term means a repeating bass line.
What is Ostinato?
This form features multiple soloists accompanied by an orchestra. The group of soloists is called a concertina. Think Bach's Brandenburg Concertos.
What is a concerto grosso?
This composer was born in England, and given more time could probably have established English Baroque Opera as a major musical form.
Who was Henry Purcell?
This is ONE of the cities Bach lived and worked in.
What are Weimar, Cothen, and Leipzig?
The violin was popularized and perfected in the Cremona region of this European country.
What is Italy?
One solo voice with instrumental accompany is often referred to as this opera-based term.
What is a Monody?
Bach wrote over 300 of these during his Leipzig period, two every Sunday. They are a religious form that features choir, orchestra, and solo singers.
What are Cantatas?
This composer was a "crossover" from the Renaissance, with his career spanning the transition between the two periods. Because of this, his style was very similar to Renaissance style compositions.
Who was Monteverdi?
The baroque period ends with this event in 1750.
What is Bach's death?