Mapeh

• Baroque


  Derived from the Portuguese barroco, or "oddly shaped pearl," the term "baroque" has been widely used since the nineteenth century to describe the period in Western European art music from about 1600 to 1750
• During the Baroque period, art and architecture became more elaborate compared to the simplicity of the Renaissance before it
• Spain's power started to fade, and Europe faced challenges like war and changes in religion
• The Netherlands became a strong economic force, especially since it didn't get as affected by the wars
• Women in the Netherlands gained more rights to do business and trade independently
• Forms identified with Baroque music


  • Cantata
  • Concerto
  • Sonata
  • Oratorio
  • Opera
• Italy played a vital role in the development of these genres, but new concepts of what it meant to be a nation increased the imperative of a "national style"
• Baroque music


  • Contrast as a dramatic element
  • Monody and the advent of basso continuo
  • Different instrumental sounds
  • Performance technique
• Baroque compositions often employ stark contrasts in dynamics (loud vs. soft), instrumentation (solo vs. ensemble), and timbres to create dramatic effects and engage listeners
• Monody


  The focus shifted from complex polyphony to a single voice accompanied by simplified harmony
• Basso continuo


  A notation method where the melody and bass line are written out, while the harmonic accompaniment is indicated in shorthand
• Baroque ensembles feature instruments such as the harpsichord, lute, and viol, alongside familiar ones like the violin and cello
• Pitch standards varied widely during this period, influencing the overall sound of performances
• Baroque scores provide minimal guidance on elements like articulation, ornamentation, and dynamics, leaving room for interpretation by performers
• Differences in instrument construction and historical performance practices suggest that Baroque music was played differently from modern renditions, with nuances like the use of finger and bow vibrato varying between eras
• Baroque art movement


  Spanned over 150 years across Europe and comprised various schools and artists, each with unique styles
• Baroque lacked a specific directive or central school guiding its development
• Baroque paintings


  • Drama, vivid colors, dramatic lighting, strong contrasts between light and dark, and often feature dark backgrounds
• In contrast to the calmness and rationality of Renaissance art, Baroque artists aimed to evoke passion and tension in their works
• They often depicted moments just before an event, heightening the sense of anticipation and drama
• Subjects of Baroque painting


  • Portraits of royals
  • Religious themes
  • Depictions of daily life
  • History paintings
  • Landscape paintings
  • Genre scenes
  • Still lifes
• Baroque painting


  • Johannes Vermeer, Girl with a Pearl Earing, c. 1665
  • Caravaggio, Supper at Emmaus, 1606
• Baroque sculpture


  • Emphasized movement and expression over rigid lines
  • Primarily inspired by Biblical scenes
  • Aimed to evoke emotions and movement
• Baroque sculpture


  • Gian Lorenzo Bernini, The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa, 1647-1652
• The most prominent figure in Baroque sculpture was Gian Lorenzo Bernini, an Italian artist known for his masterful portrayals of emotion and movement
• Baroque architecture


  • Charles Le Brun, Galerie des Glaces, Palace of Versailles
• Baroque architecture


  • Elaborate details and extravagant decoration
  • Took elements from Renaissance architecture and amplified them, creating grand, theatrical designs
  • Optical illusions and trompe-l'œil painting techniques were commonly used to enhance the dramatic effect
• By the 18th century, the architectural focus shifted to France, and architects like Jules Hardouin-Mansart moved away from Baroque towards classicism
• Charles Le Brun elevated the Baroque style to new heights with projects like the Galerie des Glaces in the Palace of Versailles
• Baroque dances


  Popular in the 17th and early 18th centuries, lively and often performed in royal courts or at social gatherings, had specific steps and patterns, and dancers wore elaborate costumes
• Common types of Baroque dances


  • Minuet
  • Gavotte
  • Sarabande
  • Bourrée
  • Allemande
• Baroque dances were often accompanied by music played on instruments like the harpsichord or violin
• The movements were graceful and elegant, with dancers often performing in pairs or small groups
• Baroque clothing


  • Fancy and rich-looking, showing off the wealth of people in the Baroque era
  • Men wore coats with big sleeves, fancy vests, and pants that stopped below the knee, as well as lace ties, big wigs, and decorations
  • Women's dresses were big and had tight tops with full skirts, made of expensive fabrics like silk and velvet, and had lots of decorations like lace and ribbons
  • Both men and women wore shiny jewelry like pearls and gold to make their outfits even fancier
• Baroque clothing was all about showing off luxury and looking glamorous