Baroque

• What is a Baroque Concerto Grosso?

  An instrumental form involving two groups of performers: the Concertino and the Ripieno.
• What are the two groups of performers in a Baroque Concerto Grosso?

  The Concertino (or Concertante) and the Ripieno.
• What is the role of the Continuo in a Baroque Concerto Grosso?

  It provides an accompaniment that fills in the harmonies and texture.
• Which instruments typically play the Continuo part?

  The Harpsichord (or Organ) and the Cello or Bassoon.
• What type of harmony is played by the Harpsichord in the Continuo part?

  Chordal harmony from figured bass notation.
• What are the typical modulations in a Baroque Concerto Grosso?

  Modulations tend to go to the Dominant key or to the Relative minor of the original key.
• What tonalities are primarily used in Baroque music?

  Tonality was mainly diatonic and in either clear major or minor tonalities.
• How many movements does a Baroque Concerto Grosso typically have?

  Three movements.
• What is the typical tempo structure of the movements in a Baroque Concerto Grosso?

  The tempo structure is Fast-Slow-Fast.
• What rhythmic feature is often found in the slower movements of a Baroque Concerto Grosso?

  Dotted rhythms.
• What texture is primarily used in Baroque Concerto Grossos?

  Mainly polyphonic or contrapuntal textures.
• What is the role of the soloists in a Baroque Concerto Grosso?


  The soloists perform demanding and technically difficult parts.
• What is the meaning of "Concertino" in the context of a Baroque Concerto Grosso?

  It means "little ensemble" and refers to the group of soloists.
• What is the typical structure of the first movement in a Baroque Concerto Grosso?

  It often features a Ritornello or a Fugue.
• What is the purpose of the Ritornello form in a Baroque Concerto Grosso?

  It begins with a tutti section featuring a theme, followed by contrasting episodes.
• What is a Cadenza in the context of a Baroque Concerto Grosso?

  A short unaccompanied section towards the end of the first movement.
• What are terraced dynamics in Baroque music?

  Clear dynamic contrasts achieved by sudden changes in volume.
• How do soloists interact with the orchestral accompaniment in a Baroque Concerto Grosso?

  Soloists are often "in the spotlight" but perform with the orchestra in tutti sections.
• What is the typical venue for Baroque Concerto Grossos?

  They were performed in churches, opera houses, or small salons.
• Who are some notable composers of Baroque Concerto Grossos?

  1. S. Bach, Handel, Vivaldi, and Corelli.
• What is the main difference between a Baroque Solo Concerto and a Baroque Concerto Grosso?

  A Baroque Solo Concerto features a single solo instrument accompanied by an orchestra.
• What is the role of the Continuo in a Baroque Solo Concerto?

  It provides an accompaniment that fills in the harmonies and texture.
• What is the typical structure of the movements in a Baroque Solo Concerto?

  Three movements contrasted by tempo and a single mood or style within each movement.
• What is the typical tempo structure of the movements in a Baroque Solo Concerto?

  The tempo structure is Fast-Slow-Fast.
• What texture is primarily used in Baroque Solo Concertos?

  Mainly polyphonic or contrapuntal textures.
• What is the role of the soloist in a Baroque Solo Concerto?

  The soloist performs technically difficult parts and showcases their skill.
• What is the typical instrumentation for a Baroque Solo Concerto?

  Instruments include Violin, Cello, Recorder, Flute, Oboe, Bassoon, Trumpet, and Lute.
• What is the role of the Continuo player in a Baroque Solo Concerto?

  The Continuo player leads and directs the orchestra from the Harpsichord.
• What are the typical venues for Baroque Solo Concertos?

  They were performed in churches, opera houses, or small salons.
• Who are some notable composers of Baroque Solo Concertos?

  1. S. Bach, Handel, and Vivaldi.
• What are the characteristics of melodies in Baroque music?

  • Melodies are decorated and embellished with ornaments (e.g., trills, turns, mordents).
  • They often sound "busy" and are long and flowing.
  • Use of sequences (repeated phrases at different pitches).
  • Use of imitation (one part copied by others).
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of the Baroque Concerto Grosso and Baroque Solo Concerto?

  Strengths:

  • Rich textures and harmonies.
  • Showcases both soloists and orchestral interplay.

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Complexity may be challenging for performers.
  • Limited to specific venues and audiences.