Baroque Era (1600 - 1750)
The Baroque Era is characterized by heavy ornamented melodic lines and decorative bass lines, most music performed or composed during this time used various techniques in composing such as contrapuntal and basso continuo. During the Baroque period, foundations were laid out for the following centuries of musical history to follow, such as: the idea of orchestral ensembles was introduced, opera, concerti (to show the soloist’s virtuosity), sonatas and cantatas. The viol string family of the renaissance gradually developed into the violin, viola and cello, as the harpsichord was invented replacing the clavichord, and vital improvements were made in all instrumental group.
It wasn't until about 18th Century, the old modes that still existed from time to time, colouring the melodic and chord progressions, began to fade into the background and commenced the development of the modern harmonic system; major and minor scales were used effectively as a replacement of the modes. During the beginning of the 1700’s, choral music no longer dominated the music halls, as composers turned and started to focus on instrumental works for ensembles of growing tonal colours and variations. Classical/Homophonic music gradually began to become recognized and popular with the public. Soon after, mid-1700’s, homophony dominated contrapuntal as the music texture becomes much clearer and melodic lines become more defined.
The Baroque Era was the creation point in music history of the functional tonality. During the Era, composers and performers used very elaborate musical ornamentation, altered music notation and developed innovative techniques in music performance. Baroque music continued to expand in size, complexity and range as opera becomes a genre in music. Most baroque ideology and concepts still exists in the today’s music and have set a historical mark in music history.
It wasn't until about 18th Century, the old modes that still existed from time to time, colouring the melodic and chord progressions, began to fade into the background and commenced the development of the modern harmonic system; major and minor scales were used effectively as a replacement of the modes. During the beginning of the 1700’s, choral music no longer dominated the music halls, as composers turned and started to focus on instrumental works for ensembles of growing tonal colours and variations. Classical/Homophonic music gradually began to become recognized and popular with the public. Soon after, mid-1700’s, homophony dominated contrapuntal as the music texture becomes much clearer and melodic lines become more defined.
The Baroque Era was the creation point in music history of the functional tonality. During the Era, composers and performers used very elaborate musical ornamentation, altered music notation and developed innovative techniques in music performance. Baroque music continued to expand in size, complexity and range as opera becomes a genre in music. Most baroque ideology and concepts still exists in the today’s music and have set a historical mark in music history.
Characteristics
Mood/Emotions
Mood was incorporated very much in Baroque music. Minor and Major keys were used to determine the mood, whether it was a happy atmosphere or a gloomy feel to invoke the audience. Defined rhythm and melodic patterns are used to convey emotions within the composer’s composition.
Rhythm
Rhythm is an important aspect of Baroque composition as it conveys the emotion and is heard in the beginning of the piece called the ‘exposition’, this rhythmic pattern is reiterated many times throughout a Baroque composition. This relentless drive is very much what compels the music to push forward.
Melody
Baroque melodies are very different as they create a feeling of an endless road; a continuity. The opening melody is heard very much over and over again within the course of the composition. Although the character of the piece was constant the passages varied using different harmonic progressions. Many melodies were complex and elaborate and were at all not easy to play. Baroque melodies gave the music balance and symmetry and would sometimes offer unwritten dynamics.
Basso Continuo/Figure Bass
It is common to see figure basses in baroque pieces as it gave a more ‘baroque-ish’ feel as it usually played with chords. A basso continuo consists of a harpsichord and cello.
Dynamics
In Baroque compositions, dynamics stayed constant for some time before it shifts to a different volume. When the dynamics do shift, it is very sudden. This is a distinct feature in the Baroque music as gradual changes are, however, achievable but because of the keyboard instruments decrescendos and crescendos are not heard, as keyboard instruments, like the harpsichord were only able to do a loud or soft sound but not ‘in-between’.
Texture
Texture in baroque compositions are very dense and elaborate as there are two or more melodic lines playing at once (counterpoint/contrapuntal).
Mood was incorporated very much in Baroque music. Minor and Major keys were used to determine the mood, whether it was a happy atmosphere or a gloomy feel to invoke the audience. Defined rhythm and melodic patterns are used to convey emotions within the composer’s composition.
Rhythm
Rhythm is an important aspect of Baroque composition as it conveys the emotion and is heard in the beginning of the piece called the ‘exposition’, this rhythmic pattern is reiterated many times throughout a Baroque composition. This relentless drive is very much what compels the music to push forward.
Melody
Baroque melodies are very different as they create a feeling of an endless road; a continuity. The opening melody is heard very much over and over again within the course of the composition. Although the character of the piece was constant the passages varied using different harmonic progressions. Many melodies were complex and elaborate and were at all not easy to play. Baroque melodies gave the music balance and symmetry and would sometimes offer unwritten dynamics.
Basso Continuo/Figure Bass
It is common to see figure basses in baroque pieces as it gave a more ‘baroque-ish’ feel as it usually played with chords. A basso continuo consists of a harpsichord and cello.
Dynamics
In Baroque compositions, dynamics stayed constant for some time before it shifts to a different volume. When the dynamics do shift, it is very sudden. This is a distinct feature in the Baroque music as gradual changes are, however, achievable but because of the keyboard instruments decrescendos and crescendos are not heard, as keyboard instruments, like the harpsichord were only able to do a loud or soft sound but not ‘in-between’.
Texture
Texture in baroque compositions are very dense and elaborate as there are two or more melodic lines playing at once (counterpoint/contrapuntal).