Baroque Period

1600 - 1750

Famous PaintersVermeerRubensRembrandtEl Greco

Vermeer

Rubens

Rembrandt

El Greco

Literature of the BaroqueMoliereCervantesMiltonRacine

Baroque Traits Dominant trends correspond to those in art

and literature Sense of movement, energy, & tension Strong contrast of light & shadow Style conscious Extreme emotional representation Music must express the emotions of life

and excite the listener

DAVID

Baroque Architecture

Doctrine of Affections

Music must reflect the emotions of life Each movement must have 1 affection Music that does this calls for a new

dramaticism in music

Renaissance vs. Baroque Contrast avoided Rigid, structured Vocal predominates No idiomatic writing Subtle rhythm Music dictates words a cappella All parts important

Careful dissonance

Contrast sought Spontaneous expression Instrumental grows Idiomatic writing Rhythmic verve Words dictates music Accompanied Outer parts more

important Frequent and expressive

dissonance

Baroque Musical Characteristics Basso continuo – keyboard instrument (organ or harpsichord)

plus bass sustaining instrument (cello or bassoon) Figured Bass Chromaticism Concerto principal – contrasting sonorities Terraced dynamics Fast harmonic rhythm Expressive use of dissonance Emergence of major/minor tonality system Huge explosion of instrumental music Music is “very busy” with long, drawn-out phrases Word painting Use of sequences