12.2 Key composers of the late Baroque period

The late Baroque period saw a shift towards simpler, more melodic compositions. Key figures like Pergolesi, Quantz, and C.P.E. Bach pioneered new styles and techniques, moving away from complex counterpoint towards more accessible music.

These composers bridged the gap between Baroque and Classical periods. Their innovations in opera, instrumental music, and expressive styles laid the groundwork for the Classical era, influencing future greats like Haydn and Mozart.

Key Composers of the Late Baroque Period

Major composers of late Baroque

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• Giovanni Battista Pergolesi (1710-1736)
  • Italian composer renowned for his comic operas (opera buffa) and sacred works
  • Composed the highly influential comic opera "La serva padrona" which popularized the opera buffa genre
  • Wrote the deeply expressive sacred work "Stabat Mater" showcasing his ability to convey emotions through music
• Johann Joachim Quantz (1697-1773)
  • German composer, flutist, and flute maker who significantly contributed to the development of the flute
  • Served as the flute teacher and court composer for Frederick the Great of Prussia
  • Composed an extensive collection of over 300 flute concertos and 200 flute sonatas expanding the repertoire for the instrument
• Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach (1714-1788)
  • Second surviving son of the famous Baroque composer Johann Sebastian Bach
  • Played a pivotal role in transitioning from the Baroque to Classical style through his innovative compositions
  • Held prestigious positions as a court musician for Frederick the Great and later as a Kapellmeister in Hamburg
  • Composed notable works such as the "Hamburg Symphonies," expressive keyboard sonatas, and various religious works

Stylistic innovations in galant style

• Galant style emerged as a new musical aesthetic in the late Baroque period characterized by:
  • Prioritizing melodic simplicity and clarity over complex Baroque counterpoint
  • Employing lighter textures and more straightforward harmonies compared to the dense polyphony of the High Baroque
  • Increasing use of homophonic textures with a clear melody and accompaniment
  • Adopting periodic phrasing and symmetrical phrase structures
• Giovanni Battista Pergolesi's contributions to the galant style:
  • Helped establish and popularize the opera buffa genre with works like "La serva padrona"
  • Utilized simple, memorable melodies and transparent harmonies to create accessible and engaging music
• Johann Joachim Quantz's innovations in the galant style:
  • Developed the two-keyed flute which greatly improved the instrument's intonation and playability
  • Composed flute concertos and sonatas that showcased the expressive and technical capabilities of the flute
  • Emphasized melodic elegance, ornamentation, and virtuosity in his compositions
• Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach's unique stylistic approach:
  • Developed a highly expressive and emotionally charged style known as "empfindsamer Stil" (sensitive style)
  • Employed sudden changes in mood, dynamics, and rhythm to convey a wide range of emotions
  • Composed keyboard sonatas featuring adventurous modulations and innovative formal structures

Late Baroque vs early Baroque techniques

• Similarities between late Baroque and early Baroque composers:
  • Continued use of traditional Baroque forms such as concertos, sonatas, and suites
  • Employed common Baroque techniques like terraced dynamics and ornamentation
• Differences in compositional techniques:
  • Late Baroque composers shifted towards a simpler, more melodically driven writing style (galant style)
  • Reduced emphasis on complex counterpoint and polyphonic textures that were prevalent in early Baroque
  • Focused more on expressing emotions and evoking specific moods through their compositions
  • Experimented with new formal structures and adventurous tonal relationships
• Comparison of musical output:
  • Late Baroque composers produced a diverse range of instrumental and vocal works
  • Increased composition of solo concertos, particularly for flute (Quantz) and keyboard (C.P.E. Bach)
  • Developed new genres like the opera buffa (Pergolesi) and the empfindsamer Stil (C.P.E. Bach)

Influence on Baroque-Classical transition

• Giovanni Battista Pergolesi's impact:
  • His opera buffa style significantly influenced the development of comic opera in the Classical period
  • His melodic writing and use of simple accompaniments anticipated the Classical style
• Johann Joachim Quantz's influence:
  • His flute concertos and sonatas expanded the technical and expressive possibilities of the instrument
  • Influenced the development of the Classical concerto style through his emphasis on melodic writing and virtuosity
• Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach's role:
  • Considered a key transitional figure between the Baroque and Classical styles
  • His empfindsamer Stil laid the groundwork for the expressive and dramatic music of the Classical period
  • Influenced renowned Classical composers such as Joseph Haydn and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, particularly in their keyboard works
• Overall impact of late Baroque composers:
  • Simplified musical textures and prioritized melodic clarity
  • Explored new forms of expression and emotional depth in their compositions
  • Paved the way for the emergence and development of the Classical style in the late 18th century