February 4, 2011 in Baroque Music by admin
Baroque Music – A Popular European Style of Classical Music
Baroque music is a well-known European style of classical music. The word ‘Baroque’ originated from the heavily ornamented architectural style that was popular during the era 1600 to 1750. It is a widely enjoyed music that expresses a single mood integrated with the musical language signifying love and warmth of different people. The musical pattern used at the beginning of a composition is repeated throughout the whole piece.
History:
Baroque music basically is a wide range of musical styles adapted from different geographic regions. It was in 1919 that the five characteristics of the Baroque theory was first attempted to be included in music. Now several musical concepts and terms developed from the renaissance and classical era is still being used. The history of the music can be classified into three different phases:
Early Baroque phase from 1600 to 1640:
The early 17th century witnessed the development of Baroque monody in which melody was provided to a single voice or instrument accompanied with the device ‘bass continuo’. Bass continuo comprises of a bass instrument and keyboard commonly used in both vocal and instrumental melody. During this period, music composers favored homophonic musical texture over polyphony. Since, the general belief among composers was that words could be projected in an effective manner with the use of a single melody complemented with harmonic or choral instrument. Caludio Monterveradi was the first composer to create the recitative style of music in Italy which also led to the making of opera.
Middle Baroque phase from 1640 to 1680:
In this era, free sheet music was nonexistent. New thoughts and ideas of music developed which spread from Italy to other countries worldwide. Both media and business establishments also established an international audience for different types of musical works. The knowledge of music was designed to be educated in a precise and organized manner. Further, the importance of instrumental music was also introduced. Some of the major contributions of music composers belonging to the Baroque period include Arcangelo Corelli for his achievements on developing varying techniques in the use of the string instrument, violin. Henry Purcell, a contemporary genius produced an array of musical tones while Dietrich Buxtehude presented music in an entrepreneurial manner.
Late Baroque phase from 1680-1750:
The late period launched Baroque music and its various forms to the world. Besides this, several facets of harmony were also produced. During this phase, instrumental music dominated over vocal music. Concerto grosso represented the leading form of key instruments. This period also led to the creation of the now popular entertainment shows oratorios and operas. The leading composers of this phase include Antonio Vivaldi, George Frideric Handel, Jean-Phillipe Rameau and Johann Sebastian Bach.
January 19, 2011 in Baroque Music by admin
Essential Components Of Baroque Music
Baroque is a wonderful style of music characterized by elaborative ornamentation. The word derives its origin from Portuguese word ‘Barocco’, which means bizarrely shaped pear. Although this kind of polyphonic music is special because of a number of reasons, the one factor which distinguishes it from other forms of music is its contrasting elements. The immense popularity of baroque music between 1600 and 1750 was not without a reason. It was, and continues to be a potent communication tool capable of breaking the barrier of language and arousing a range of emotions in a human being.
Contrast is an unusually integral part of a baroque composition despite the fact that music is generally synonymous with synthesis and harmony. Baroque music treats soft, loud, solo and chorus songs with varying degrees of subtlety. Although it does give importance to instruments like violin and trumpet, the main emphasis is placed on melody and vocals. In fact, it would not be far-fetched to conclude that baroque began as a voice-based music which allowed performers to improvise uninhibitedly on stage. Improvisation means to modify the style and mode of music as you proceed. Baroque musicians used to improvise frequently to display their skills.
Another distinct feature of baroque music is its dependence on precision and intricacy. It is akin to listening to five or more people talking at the same time in different pitches. It is for you to identify what everybody is saying. While making music, the composer prepares a layout, also known as form. A ‘fugue’ is a good example of this wherein a series of voices follow each other as in a round. However, amidst all this confusion lies a deceptively coherent message which is distinct and ethereal.
Since another meaning of baroque is highly decorated, this brand of music uses ornamentation more than any other style. It is hardly surprising to know that Opera, which is known as ‘controlled scream’, appeared during the baroque era. Yet another important aspect of baroque music is counterpoint, which is listening to multiple lines of music. All lines are unique and of equal importance.
Although most of the instruments used in a baroque composition are known to us, there are a few which are missing from contemporary ensembles. For instance, the main keyboard instrument in the form of harpsichord is no longer used in modern performances. However, instruments like lute and viol continue to be played even today.
January 14, 2011 in Baroque Music by admin
Distinct Features of Baroque Music
Baroque Music comprises of highly decorative yet complicated composition which is steadily finding its way back into people’s hearts after being forgotten for nearly three hundred years. This European classical form of music preceded the Classical Era, involving drastic changes in notation and intricate ornamentation. Baroque music is probably the only style of music which explores all the different facets of instruments as well as vocals. It even led to the formation of a new genre of music in the form of an Opera.
Baroque musicians put a lot of emphasis on counterpoint, which involves playing a couple or more lines of music at a go. All parts of such a piece are equally important. To the listeners, it is like hearing two or more people talk at the same time in different tones/pitches. In addition, the musicians decorate the composition heavily either with instruments or a strategic use of vocals.
The fugue is the most significant attribute of baroque music. It is part of a ‘form’, which is simply a plan followed by a composer while creating music. Most baroque musical forms which were used during the years starting 1600 till 1750 continue to be used even now. A fugue is akin to a musical round where one voice enters the scene and is followed by a series of successive voices. However, voices within this form start on high pitches and end on lower ones. In addition, they keep on playing new pieces even as distinctly different voices continue to emerge. This is the main reason why baroque music is known to have a polyphonic texture.
Baroque music is also unique in nature because it can be played with or without a soloist, although it is credited with the introduction of trend. Earlier, most baroque musical pieces were developed in a choral structure. However, musicians are now blending choral arrangements with solo pieces on a regular basis.
A harpsichord is the most famous instrument synonymous with baroque although other instruments like violin and flute are also common. The different components of instrument suites derive their names from dances from the Renaissance era. One or more instrument can be used to play a particular suite. It begins with a prelude and includes the following dance phases: Allemande, Courante, Hornpipe, Sarabande, Gigue, Menuet, Gavotte, Air, Pavane, Galliard and Bouree. Most of these pieces are based on lively French and German dances.