Baroque
a period starting from the birth of opera to the death of Bach (ca. 1600-1750).
Portuguese word for misshapen pearl
Critics thought the music of this period was too heavily ornamented, contrasting.
It deviated from the typical contrapuntal style. There were unexpected dissonances.
Now, the period is used to describe the period without negative connotation.
affections
emotional states of the soul caused by humors (spirits harbored in the body)
Rene Descartes wrote Passions of the Soul. In this, he catalogued and analyzed the different affections. Charles Le Brun linked affections with corresponding facial gestures.
prima practica
first practice; supported by Zarlino; the rules of counterpoint were strictly followed
seconda practica
supported by Monteverdi and his brother; believed the text could dictate the music and deviate away from contrapuntal style; heavy dissonances were used; Artusi disagreed with this (he was Zarlino’s pupil)
basso continuo
also known as thoroughbass.
system of notation in which melody and bass line was given and performers were expected to fill in the harmony with right chords
figured bass
system of notation underneath the bass line that let the performer known when chords were not in root position.
realization
the actual playing of an improvised performance with written out suggestions in more modern versions indicated by smaller notes
concertato medium
combining voices with instruments, genres included concerted madrigal and sacred concerto
nothing doubled
“reach agreement”
equal temperament
tuning system as a result of concertato medium
fretted instruments used this to guarantee all octaves would be in tune
ornamentation
embellishments important to Baroque composers because they used them to stir affections
Two ways to ornament a melodic line: brief formulas called ornaments and extended embellishments
cadenza
elaborate passage decorating cadences that singers added to arias to show off vocal virtuosity
When did basso continuo disappear?
18th century
THe first public opera house was built when and where?
Venice in 1637
Instruments used in continuo
basoon, cello, bass, organ, keyboard
When did the term “baroque” first take on a positive meaning?
19th century
Charles Le Brun
wrote the 17th century essay, which labeled the affections and illustrated the corresponding facial expressions
The first public concert in wich attendants paid admission was in which country?
England
The Baroque style in art, music, and architecture began in which country?
Italy
The central impulse of Baroque music, art, and architecture
dramatization
Rene Descartes
published the Passion of the Souls, a 17th century treatise that analyzed and catalogued the affections
Jean-Phillippe Rameau
introduced the first complete theoretical formulation of the tonal system
concertato style
17th century practice combine voices with instruments playing different parts
basso continuo composition led to the consideration of consonant sounds as…
chords
division
an extended embellishment aded to create a free and elaborate paraphrase if the notated line
Which country replaced the Spain as the predominant power on the continent, leading to its music being imitated widely throughout Europe
France