Baroque- Chapter 8

 

 

Late Baroque- Chapter 9  
Baroque Music Overview

Step 1

  • Listen to the 3 examples below to answer the following questions

  • Share your overall impression of the music of the Baroque Period.

I think that there was a very decorated and a lot of it was a bit odd. Intervals didn't always go where you would expect them to, and a lot of pieces were very fast paced. Pieces became more structured and more layered- you could find a repeating theme in many composer's works. 

  • How does this music sound similar to the music of the Renaissance?

The use of stringed instruments is a common point of practice. 

  • How does this music sound different from the music of the Renaissance?

There is a lot more dissonance in Baroque-age music, which leads to less "solemnity." The structure of Baroque music is much more planned out and structured.   

 

A. Canadian Brass

B.  Dido and Aneas

C.  Scarlotti Harpsichord

 

 

 

 

Step 2

  • Describe the mood of the music represented here in Monteverdi's opera Orfeo.

There is a very dramatic beginning before the introduction of the soprano soloist. There is a lot of brass and stringed instruments, with a few viola de gambas. There is a lot of pushy forte until the aria begins. Then the music takes on a very soft turn. 

 

Step 3

  • Describe the pitch geography and pattern of the bass line heard here in Pachelbel's Canon.

The range of notes is much higher than it would have previously been arranged, and it closely follows the rest of the polyphonic geography. 

 

Step 4

  • Why do you think this Trumpet Tune by Purcell  is used for so many wedding ceremonies?

I think the main reason is because it's in such a lovely major key. It's inspiring and is easy to keep pace with... you can almost predict what resolution comes next. The trumpet is lovely enough to commemorate such an important event while being serious enough to recognize the need for respect. Personally, I think this should be a wedding tune... 

 

 

Step 5

i feenk its vewy sad :(:( The use of a harmonic minor makes this rather unsettling and melancholy. The melismas in this piece accentuate the sadness that she feels. 

 

Step 6

  • Describe the texture(monophonic, homophonic, polyphonic) of this Old 100th Hymn from the Bay Psalm Book.

From what I hear, this piece is very homophonic. The only other juiciness comes from the supporting chords from the instrumentalist. 
 
 

 

 

Period Research

Step 1

  • Gather resources of your own choosing to answer the following questions

1.  Provide approximate dates for the Baroque Period punctuated with notable world/historical events. The Baroque Period lasted from around 1600-1750. 

 

2.  Define the term 'Baroque' and how this relates to the characteristics of music and art from this period.

As defined by the Oxford dictionary, 'Baroque' means "Highly ornate and extravagant in style." This makes a lot of sense because this was the time period where musical styles were being invented left and right, pushing far beyond the normal boundaries of music. Art and music were seen as irregular and highly decorated. The same went for architecture and the sciences; as more structure and order pervaded studies, the more people could decorate. 

 

3.  List the Instruments for each family that comprise a Baroque Period Orchestra

A.  Strings: the viola, violin, violoncello, viol, contrabass, harp, and lute. 

B.  Brass: the horn, sackbut, and trumpet. 

C.  Woodwind: the oboe, bassoon, recorder, and flute. 

D.  Percussion: timpani, bass drums, tambourine, and castanets. 

 

4.  Provide a bit of trivia regarding

A.  Brass Valves vs. No Brass Valves in this Time Period: trumpets were nasty instruments to play in tune. There were no valves and the use of tone holes was an interesting addition. 

B.  Baroque Trills and Ornamentation: haha! Ornamentation was indeed extensive in the baroque era. The trills, however, depended on artist and composer; some would begin on the upper dissonant note and some on the lower dissonant note. 

 

 

 

Baroque Instrumental Music-Chapter 10
Baroque Vocal Music-Chapter 11
 
I'll be Bach

Step 1

  • Describe the instrument timbres used in Alla Hornpipe from Handel's Water Music. The timbre is brilliant, radiant, almost. There are a lot of shimmery parts and the brass adds a nice home base to turn to. Overall, it has a warm quality to it. 

 

Step 2

  • Comment on the musical relationship between the soloists and orchestra in Winter from the Four Seasons by Vivaldi. The soloist was extraordinary. There was a very intense atmosphere between the soloist and the accompanying orchestra. In comparison, the orchestra (which was just as amazing) was going off of cues from the soloist. There are beautiful moments where they crescendo and diminuendo as a unit and take off again when they're back to the repetition. 

 

Step 3

  • Describe the types of orchestral instruments heard in Presto III from Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No. 4. I hear some lovely harpsichord right in the beginning, later accompanied by violins and violas and other stringed instruments. I hear a recorder, or some form of woodwind instrument that carries a solo a lot of the time. 

 

Step 4

  • How does La Rejouissance by Handel set the mood for fireworks? The rejoicing has a very dramatic manner of beginning, which signals the fireworks to go off. It seems that the louder they perform, the bigger the fireworks that go off. 

 

Step 5

  • What occasion might Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring by Bach be suited for and why? Personally, I see this at a wedding or a celebration of life. It reminds me of Pie Jesu, and it has an uplifting quality to it... something a bit out-of-this-earth. 

  • Enjoy this King Singer tribute to J.S. Bach. Thank you!!! :):):):)

 

Step 6

  • How many times is the "A" theme heard in this Rondo from Vivaldi's Four Seasons?

(Hint: The A Theme is represented in the first 13 measures) I hear it... seven times. 

 

Step 7

  • How many times is the subject heard in this Little Fugue in G minor by Bach?

(Hint: See Bach Fugue Subject  & Hear Bach Fugue Subject) I heard it... 10 times. 

 

 

Step 8

  • Are the phrases in Autumn from the Four Seasons by Vivaldi mostly symmetrical or asymmetrical?

(Hint: Use this Listening Calendar and Flowchart as a Guide) I hear symmetrical music. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HONORS TRACK

If it ain't Baroque

 

Option 2

  • Provide a brief narrative about the Harpsichord 

  1. History

  2. Makers

  3. Special Instrument Features/How it Works

  4. Notable Performers

  5. Notable Compositions

A.  Original Baroque Partita in B minor 3. Courante R 114

 

HARPSICHORD PRESENTATION