Texture/Structure/Form

• Basso continuo - In the Baroque period, the basso continuo consists of a single bass line (for example, a cello) with a keyboard part (for example, a harpsichord) filling in the harmonies.  The basso continuo supports one or more melody lines.
• Concerto grosso - A small group of soloists (concertino) contrasts with a larger group of instrumentalists (ripieno).  The concerto grosso developed in the Baroque period.
• Da capo aria - An aria in ternary form used in opera and oratorio. The 3rd section was not written out and was often ornamented.
• Exposition - The first section of a movement in sonata form.
• Passacaglia - Variations over a ground bass.
• Ritornello - Ritornello means a theme which returns frequently throughout a piece. In a concerto grosso, the ritornello is the main, recurring theme played by the ripieno. The ritornello may return frequently throughout the movement.
• Sonata form

  A form used for the first movement of a sonata or symphony.

  It consists of three sections:

  • Exposition       – 2 contrasting subject groups in related keys
  • Development
  • Recapitulation – 2 contrasting subject groups return but in the same key as the opening
• Subject - The main theme in a composition, the main themes in sonata form, or the main theme on which a fugue is based.
• Through-composed - A vocal piece in which there is little or no repetition of the music.
• Texture/Structure/Form Concepts -

  • Basso Continuo
  • Concerto Grosso
  • Da Capo Aria
  • Sonata Form
  • Exposition
  • Subject
  • Passacaglia
  • Ritornello
  • Through-Composed