WEEK 10

• What is instrumental music?

  Instrumental music is music that doesn’t contain any words or vocals.
• What does the term "baroque" mean?

  "Baroque" is derived from the Portuguese word "barroco," meaning "oddly shaped pearl."
• When did the Baroque period last?

  The Baroque period lasted from 1600 to 1750 A.D.
• What was a key belief about music during the Baroque period?


  There was a belief in music as a potent tool of communication.
• What is a characteristic of Baroque music related to contrast?

  Contrast was used to convey the meaning of the text, which is a crucial dramatic component.
• What does "layered melodies" refer to in Baroque music?

  Layered melodies imply that two or more melodies would play simultaneously, producing a counterpoint effect.
• What is monody in Baroque music?

  Monody is a solo voice singing an extravagantly free melodic line.
• What are dynamics in Baroque music?

  Dynamics refer to the sudden shifts between extreme volume degrees.
• What is ornamentation in Baroque music?

  Ornamentation is an extensive characteristic of Baroque music due to the lack of rich dynamics at the time.
• What musical forms defined the Baroque era?


  • Opera: A drama primarily sung with instruments.
  • Oratorio: An extended musical drama based on religious texts.
  • Cantata: A piece with recitatives and set pieces like arias.
  • Sonata: A work in several movements for one or more instruments.
  • Suite: A series of dances in the same key.
• Who are some notable composers from the Classical period?


  Notable composers include Johann Pachelbel, Antonio Vivaldi, Johan Sebastian Bach, George Frideric Handel, and Franz Peter Schubert.
• What is known about Johann Pachelbel's birth and death?


  Johann Pachelbel was baptized on September 1, 1653, and died on March 9, 1706.
• What was Johann Pachelbel known for during his lifetime?

  He was best known as an organ composer.
• What is the significance of "Canon in D" in Pachelbel's work?

  "Canon in D" is commonly referred to as "Canon and Gigue in D" and is crafted for basso continuo and three violins.
• What is an ostinato in music?

  An ostinato is a repeated bass line throughout a piece.
• What is the role of Antonio Vivaldi in the Baroque era?

  Antonio Vivaldi was one of the most productive composers of the Baroque era and is known for his Baroque style.
• What is "The Four Seasons" composed by Vivaldi?

  "The Four Seasons" is a group of four concertos for violin solo concertante and chamber orchestra.
• What does the movement "Spring" in "The Four Seasons" represent?

  "Spring" represents the clarity and crispness of a typical spring day, accompanied by the sounds of birds and streams.
• What is the significance of Johann Sebastian Bach in music history?

  Johann Sebastian Bach is widely considered one of the history's greatest musical composers.
• What are some of Johann Sebastian Bach's famous compositions?

  Famous compositions include The Brandenburg Concertos, The Well-Tempered Clavier, and The Mass in B Minor.
• What is "The Well-Tempered Clavier" by Bach?

  "The Well-Tempered Clavier" is a masterwork representing the epitome of the Baroque period, consisting of preludes and fugues in all 24 keys.
• What are the Brandenburg Concertos?

  The Brandenburg Concertos are a collection of six instrumental compositions sent to Christian Ludwig in 1721, exemplifying the concerto grosso style.
• What is "The Mass in B Minor" by Bach?

  "The Mass in B Minor" is considered Bach's final great achievement, heavily influenced by previous works and completed in 1749.
• What is known about George Frideric Handel's early career?

  Handel accepted a violinist’s position at the Hamburg Opera’s Goose Market Theater at the age of 18.
• What is Franz Peter Schubert known for?

  Franz Peter Schubert is best remembered for his songs and chamber music, including notable works like "Erlkönig" and "Ave Maria."
• What characterizes the Classical period in music history?

  The Classical period is characterized as refined, elegant, formal, and emphasizes a great variety of contrast.
• What was the impact of the rise of the lower and middle class during the Classical period?

  The rise of the lower and middle class led to composers being employed by aristocratic establishments rather than churches.
• What are the three characteristics of Classical period music?

  1. Known for its homophonic texture.
  2. Melodies are easily sung and remembered.
  3. The mood may change gradually or suddenly.
• What instrument replaced the harpsichord during the Classical period?

  The piano replaced the harpsichord during the Classical period.
• What is the significance of the term "Golden Age of Music" in relation to the Classical period?

  The Classical period is called "The Golden Age of Music" because forms like sonata, symphony, and concerto became fully developed.
• What are some important forms of the Classical period?

  Important forms include string quartet, opera, trio sonata, symphony, and solo concertos.
• What is the time period covered by the cultural history centered on the Mediterranean Sea?

  8th century BC to the 6th century AD
• What is the Greco-Roman world?

  It comprises the interlocking civilizations of ancient Greece and ancient Rome
• How did the rise of the lower and middle class affect composers during this period?

  Composers were employed by aristocratic establishments rather than churches
• What type of music was written during this period?

  Different non-religious and secular music
• What is a characteristic of the music from this period?

  It is known for its homophonic texture
• How is the rhythm described in the music of this period?

  The rhythm is flexible
• How does the mood in the music of this period change?

  The mood may change gradually or suddenly
• What instrument replaced the harpsichord during this period?

  The piano
• Why is this period referred to as “The Golden Age of Music”?

  Because forms like sonata, symphony, and concerto became fully developed