period?
around 1600-1750
recognised with what qualities?
fancy, detailed, emotional
often written for?
church (sacred), royalty or public (secular)
per every piece made, has a mood called?
affection
characteristics and features?
-contrast: solo/group or loud/soft, makes music more exciting
-basso continuo: steady bass line usually played by harpsichord and or cello, gives strong and steady foundation
-clear major and minor keys
-decorative melodies and ornamentation
instruments? (3-5)
violin, harpsichord, cello, organ, recorder, trumpet (natural, without valves)
forms?
-concerto: a piece for solo instrument with orchestra accompaniment
-fugue: a piece where the same melody is repeated and layered
-suite: group of dance pieces played together
-opera: drama with acting, singing and music
-oratorio: opposite of opera, only singing and music; often religious
3 examples of composers?
Johann Sebastian Bach, George Frederic Handel, Antonio Vivaldi
famous pieces of each? (1 per person)
JSB–Toccata and Fugue in D minor
–Brandenburg Concertos
–The Well-Tempered Clavier
–Mass in B Minor
–St Matthew Passion
–Goldberg Variations
GFH–Messiah (especially the “Hallelujah” chorus)
–Water Music
–Music for the Royal Fireworks
–Zadok the Priest
–Numerous operas (Rinaldo, Giulio Cesare) and oratorios (Samson, Israel in Egypt)
AV–The Four Seasons
–Gloria
–Mandolin Concerto
–Magnificat
–La stravaganza
–Stabat Mater
musical legacy of JSB
-Master of counterpoint, fugue, and harmony.
-Combined German, Italian, and French styles into his music.
-Not widely celebrated during his lifetime outside Germany—his music was rediscovered and revered in the 19th century (thanks partly to Mendelssohn).
-Today, considered one of the greatest composers in Western music history.
characteristics of JSB’s music
-polyphonic texture–many musical lines played at the same time
-strong structure–carefully organised and balanced
-basso continuo–used is most of his pieces
-emotional and expressive–shows mood clearly even without words
musical legacy of GFH
-Pioneered the English oratorio—a blend of sacred themes and dramatic music.
-Known for his dramatic and expressive style.
-Became a national treasure in Britain and was buried in Westminster Abbey.
-His Messiah is still one of the most frequently performed choral works in the world.
characteristics of GFH?
-dramatic and powerful–written to impress and move audience
-clear melodies–easy to follow and sing
-strong rhythms–often bold and energetic
-contrast–used soft and loud parts to create excitement
ornamentation purpose?
extra notes to decorate melody, making it sound fancy and exciting
ornaments of baroque?
-trill–quickly switch between 2 notes next to each other
-turn–play a group of notes that go above and below the main note
-appoggiatura–a small note played before main note, leaned into for expression
what is mood (affection)?
-each piece or movement shows 1 feeling (happy, sad, angry etc.)
-helped listeners clearly feel the emotion in the music
