Chapter 7 The Early Baroque Period Style Features of Early Baroque Music

Chapter 7The Early Baroque Period

Style Features of Early Baroque

Music

Key Terms

Basso continuo

Ground bass

Basso ostinato

Functional harmony

Style Features of Early Baroque Music

Extravagance & emotional expression tempered by scientific inquiry and logic

Methodical use of musical elements to express emotions• Rhythm and Meter

Influence of dance rhythms

• Functional Harmony Major and minor scales

• Texture: Basso Continuo Importance of instrumental music

LETS LOOK AT THESE INDIVIDUALLY

Rhythm and Meter

Baroque rhythm ranged between two extremes—•Free speech-rhythms of recitative•Vivacious regularity of dance music

Strong beat and regular meter give much Baroque music a clear rhythmic feelConsistent repetition of patterns strengthens rhythmic feelDifferent patterns appropriate for different emotions

Texture: Basso Continuo

Consistent feature of Baroque music•Similar to rhythm section in jazz or rock bands,

and just as ubiquitous

Basso continuo played by:•Bass melody instruments (cello or bass)•Chording instruments (keyboard or lute)

Advantages of continuo:•Strong, reinforced bass line•Strong harmonic foundation—chording

instruments continuously adds chords

Texture: Ground Bass

Ground bass = repeating bass line•Ground bass compositions build melodies and

harmonies over this basso ostinato

Ostinato is a near-universal practice•Purcell, “Dido’s Lament”; Sudanese Song;

Frescobaldi, Passacaglia; Elephant-Hunt Song

Functional Harmony

Relies on major and minor scales with their strong pull toward tonicChords formerly result of melodic thinking, polyphonic combinations of linesIn continuo-based textures, more focus on chords & chord progressionsComposers worked to construct effective chord progression over strong bass lineResulting harmonies more predictable, purposeful—more modern!

Functional Harmony (2)

Harmony now capable of greater emotional & dramatic expression•Strong pull to tonic creates sense of stability,

inevitability•At the same time, it strengthens the disruption

& disorientation created by dissonances or modulations

Composers systematically create emotional states ranging between these extremes