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