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.