The Baroque Era Study Guide

1. The Baroque EraStudy Guide Review Questions Log Check Genre Check Exam 2 format

2. Review 1. Describe how harmony, or the writing of it, changes from the Renaissance to the Baroque era. 2. What is a basso continuo? What instruments might perform in a basso continuo? chording: _______, _______, _______ bass: _______, _______, _______ Name a genre that uses it. For what is it used? (One word will do!) 3. In OPERA, how does “ensemble” differ from today’s common use of the term? Does it have a broader or more narrow meaning? Who performs in an ensemble? What does an ensemble contribute to story-telling?

3. Review 4. In OPERA describe the role of: recitative aria Can you hear the difference between the opening recitative and the aria that follows in “Dido’s Lament”? 5. In opera, why is homophony favored over polyphony? 6. What role did Monteverdi give the opera orchestra? How did he accomplish his goals for the orchestra? 7. Explain how opera manifests the Baroque culture’s love of combining elements. 8. Give some examples that illustrate the Baroque culture’s penchant for decorating “things.”

4. Review 9. What does “baroque” mean? 10. Describe the following forms and explain how unity and contrast are projected in each: ritornello fugue AABB (often called binary form; common to dances) 11. Describe the orchestra in the Baroque era. Which instrument family was most highly developed? 12. Who is Antonio Stradivari, and what was his life’s work? 13. What is an “absolute monarch”? 14. Who is Louis XIV? Cite some aspects of his “summer home” that reflect baroque interests, tastes, needs, etc. 15. Describe a typical court musician’s life.

5. Review 16. What is the Camerata? What genre did its members bring about? 17. What is the difference between text (word) painting and text expression? 18. Describe each of the popular Baroque Era genres: opera concerto cantata fugue oratorio suite (dance suite) chorale chorale prelude • 19. Some terms from Baroque unit: ritornello cadenza tutti overture subject libretto episode strophic vs through composed basso continuo French Overture recitative concerto grosso aria solo concerto ensemble

6. Baroque logs Monteverdi, Tu se morta from L’Orfeo Purcell, Dido’s Lament from Dido and Aeneas Bach, Brandenburg Concerto No. 5, mvt. 1 Vivaldi, Concerto for Violin and Orchestra (Spring) from the Four Seasons, mvt. 1 Bach, Organ Fugue in G Minor Bach, Bourée from Suite No. 3 in D Major Bach, Cantata No. 140 (Wachet Auf), Mvts. 4, 7 Handel, Ev’ry Valley Shall Be Exalted from Messiah Handel, Hallelujah Chorus from Messiah Entries in red are assigned as independent study.

7. Match Genres with their descriptions Cantata Chant Chorale Concerto Fugue Madrigal Mass Motet Opera Oratorio Suite Sacred vocal, monophonic, no beat/meter, Middle Ages Polyphonic composition based on one theme, a subject Secular vocal, Renaissance, mostly polyphonic, features much text painting Collection of dance-inspired movements Multi-movement work for chorus, vocal soloists, orchestra, organ, most sacred ones are based on a familiar chorale Large-scale work combines visual, vocal & instrumental music, and literature 5 movement setting of sections of the Mass ordinary Large-scale work for chorus, orchestra, narrator, usually based on Old Testament story A hymn, important in Lutheran worship service • Multi-movement instrumental music that features two performing groups—soloist(s) and accompanying orchestra • Sacred vocal, Renaissance examples feature much imitation, text may NOT be from the mass ordinary