Baroque concerto

• Composers


  J.S. Bach

  Handel

  Vivaldi

  Corelli

  Pachabel
• Key features of the baroque period

  Simple harmonies, use of ornaments, music is tonal, terraced dynamics, use of harpsichord, small orchestra, contrapuntal textures.
• Inversion


  Turning the melody upside down
• Sequence

  Same rhythmic pattern, same intervallic pattern, different pitches.
• Imitation


  Repeating a phrase in a different part. The phrase can be altered slightly.
• Ostinato


  Repeated patterns
• Basso continuo

  A continuous bass part. Baroque concertos have a continuo part that the whole harmony of the piece is based on. Played by an organ or harpsichord.
• Figured bass


  Only bass notes were written on the stave but the numbers below the notes told the players which notes to play. The continuo player would then improvise using the notes of the chord.
• Solo concerto


  Opportunity to show one solo instrument. Accompanied by a Baroque orchestra. Three movements - Fast, slow, fast.
• Concerto grosso


  Small group of soloists (concertino) accompanied by a baroque orchestra (ripieno). Musical ideas are passed back and forth between the concertino and the ripieno.
• Binary form


  A,A,B,B. Section B contrasts with section A.
• Ternary form


  A,A,B,B,A,A/A,A,B,B,A',A'(sonata form)/A,B,C(very rare). Last section can be identical to section a or slightly modified
• Theme and variation form.

  Variations upon an initial theme. The theme is played first, followed by a set of variations. Theme can be varied by adding/removing notes, adding a counter melody or changing the tempo.
• Ritornello form


  The ritornello is the main theme and returns at various points throughout, played by both the concertino and ripieno. The first and last time it is heard, it will be in the tonic, other times, it could be in a different key. Ritornello, episode 1, ritornello, episode 2, ritornello. The episodes will all be played by just the concertino, but the ritornello sections will be played by the ripieno and concertino.
• What is the time period during which the Baroque concerto was prominent?

  1600-1750
• How is the Baroque concerto characterized?

  By its ornate and elaborate style
• What are the two main forms of Baroque concerto?

  • Concerto Grosso
  • Solo Concerto
• What defines a Concerto Grosso?

  A small group of solo instruments contrasts with a larger ensemble
• What is the term for the small group of solo instruments in a Concerto Grosso?

  Concertino
• What is a Solo Concerto?

  A single solo instrument is featured with the orchestra
• What are terraced dynamics in Baroque music?

  Sudden shifts in dynamics achieved by adding or removing instruments
• What is Basso Continuo?

  A continuous bass line typically played by harpsichord and cello or bassoon
• What is the texture of Baroque music characterized by?

  Polyphonic texture, where different melodic lines intertwine
• What is the Ritornello Form?

  Alternation between a recurring main theme and contrasting sections
• Who are some key composers of the Baroque concerto?

  • Antonio Vivaldi
  • Johann Sebastian Bach
  • George Frideric Handel
• What is Antonio Vivaldi known for?

  His work "The Four Seasons," a set of violin concertos
• What does Johann Sebastian Bach's Brandenburg Concertos showcase?

  The concerto grosso form
• What type of compositions did George Frideric Handel create?

  Numerous concerti grossi