Music of the Baroque Period (1685 – 1750) MAPEH 9

The word Baroque is derived from the Portuguese word ―barroco” which means ―pearl of irregular shape‖. Some of the great composers of this time were George Friedrich Handel, Johann Sebastian Bach, Claudio Monteverdi, and Antonio Vivaldi. New instrumental techniques and changes in musical notation were developed. Major and minor tonality was also created in this period. A lot of the musical terms and concepts that evolved in this era are still used today.

Characteristics of Baroque Music: Melodies sound elaborate and ornamental.

Melodies are not easy to sing or remember 

Primarily contrapuntal textures with some homophony 

Dynamic contrast – alternation between loud and soft 

Music genres—operas, oratorios, suites, tocatas, concertó grosso, fugue 

Orchestra consists of strings and continuo 

Harpsichord and organ are the keyboard instruments that are commonly used 

New forms: 

1. binary – AB 

2. ternary – ABC 

3. ground bass 

4. fugue

Music Genres of Baroque Music 

1. Concerto – A form of orchestral music that employs a solo instrument accompanied by an orchestra. 

2. Concerto Grosso - A form of orchestral music during the Baroque Period wherein the music is between a small group of solo instruments called concertino and the whole orchestra called tutti.

Famous Composers of the Baroque Period

1. Johann Sebastian Bach Born: Germany Compositions : Conceto Grotto, Mass in B minor, Cantata 208 and 211Fugue in G minor 3
2. Antonio Vivaldi Venice, March 4, 1678 to Vienna, July 28, 1741 Compositions: Four Seasons. This composition is a series of four violin concerti depicting each of the seasons, ―Spring,‖ ―Summer,‖ ―Autumn,‖ and ―Winter.‖Vivaldi - The Four Seasons - Winter, Julia Fischer (HD).mp4
3. George Friedrich Händel Germany, February 23, 1685 London, April 14, 1759 Composition: Messiah  Royal Choral Society- 'Hallelujah Chorus' from Handel's Messiah.mp4