Music History - Baroque Period

Baroque music last for about 150 years, which is approximately between 1600 and 1750.  Before that, people were still having Renaissance music, such as music using modes, and some using monophonic texture.  Music in Baroque period became more polyphonic, and concept of orchestra was first introduced.  Major composers such as J. S. Bach, Handel and Pachelbel were also born in this period.

(A picture of J.S. Bach)

The major influence should be the instrumental music.  Basso continuo, which is also known as figured bass, was introduced in this period.  It was notations that gave bass part players to identify the chords they were playing.  It was also a distinct feature in the Baroque period.  Many instruments are also produced during this period, such as the violin family, flutes, bassoons, timpani and clavichords.  Different forms are also developed, such as fugal forms, variation forms, chorales, preludes, improvisatory forms and sonata form. Sonata form was the most important development, as classical period and romantic period also use sonata form as one the the major forms in the compositions.  Orchestra was also formed in this period.  There are two parts in the orchestra, which is solo part and tutti part. This is called concerto grosso, which is the main form of Baroque orchestra literature.  The major component in the orchestra was strings, while there are usually less woodwind and percussion players.  The bass players would be responsible for the basso continuo, and different instruments doubled on each part , thus there was not much color in the Baroque orchestras. 

(The orchestra in Baroque period)

    
















(Alto clef is used in this period)




Ornamentation and basso continuo would be the main characteristic styles of music.  As instrumental music started to get more popular in this period, the ornamentation was also getting more complicated and decorative.  Although they are rarely written out in the music, performers frequently added lots of ornaments to the music.  Shakes, turns, appoggiaturas and mordants are some of the most commonly used ornaments.  Chromatic scales and chords are also used to decorate the piece.  Basso continuo was the distinct feature on Baroque period, as stated before. Counterpoint is also used to harmonize the bass line and make the chord sounds more elegant.  Terraced dynamics are always used in Baroque music, unlike the gradual change, which can be found in Romantic period and 20th century period.  Some works used regular rhythms and strict tempo, while some works are allowed the performer to have rubato.  Cantatas and oratorios were also originated in this period, which is the foundation for the vocal music in later periods.  One of the most famous oratorio pieces would be "Messiah" form Handel.

(The numbers under the notes are figured bass)

One of the most famous pieces in this period would be Four Seasons by Antonio Vivaldi.  It is a series of four violin concertos, each with three movements. Also, they are the first program music written ever, which means that the music is connected to other ideas which is not musical.  For example, in the first movement of Spring, the trill at the beginning represents the birds are singing.  Sonnets are written to explain the idea expressed in the music, and here is the sonnet for the four seasons :

Spring – Concerto in E Major

Allegro
Springtime is upon us.
The birds celebrate her return with festive song,
and murmuring streams are softly caressed by the breezes.
Thunderstorms, those heralds of Spring, roar, casting their dark mantle over heaven,
Then they die away to silence, and the birds take up their charming songs once more.Largo
On the flower-strewn meadow, with leafy branches rustling overhead, the goat-herd sleeps, his faithful dog beside him.Allegro
Led by the festive sound of rustic bagpipes, nymphs and shepherds lightly dance beneath the brilliant canopy of spring.


Summer – Concerto in g minor
Allegro non molto
Beneath the blazing sun's relentless heat
men and flocks are sweltering,
pines are scorched.
We hear the cuckoo's voice; then sweet songs of the turtle dove and finch are heard.
Soft breezes stir the air….but threatening north wind sweeps them suddenly aside. The shepherd trembles, fearful of violent storm and what may lie ahead.Adagio e piano - Presto e forte
His limbs are now awakened from their repose by fear of lightning's flash and thunder's roar, as gnats and flies buzz furiously around.
Presto
Alas, his worst fears were justified, as the heavens roar and great hailstones beat down upon the proudly standing corn.


Autumn – Concerto in F Major
Allegro
The peasant celebrates with song and dance the harvest safely gathered in.
The cup of Bacchus flows freely, and many find their relief in deep slumber.Adagio molto
The singing and the dancing die away
as cooling breezes fan the pleasant air,
inviting all to sleep
without a care.Allegro
The hunters emerge at dawn,
ready for the chase,
with horns and dogs and cries.
Their quarry flees while they give chase.
Terrified and wounded, the prey struggles on,
but, harried, dies.


Winter – Concerto in f-minor
Allegro non molto
Shivering, frozen mid the frosty snow in biting, stinging winds;
running to and fro to stamp one's icy feet, teeth chattering in the bitter chill.Largo
To rest contentedly beside the hearth, while those outside are drenched by pouring rain.Allegro
We tread the icy path slowly and cautiously, for fear of tripping and falling.
Then turn abruptly, slip, crash on the ground and, rising, hasten on across the ice lest it cracks up.
We feel the chill north winds coarse through the home despite the locked and bolted doors…
this is winter, which nonetheless brings its own delights.

（Four Seasons)

Here is one the most famous pieces of J.S.Bach : Fugue in G, "The Little"  Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1Vm6_mn4ME