Key Characteristics of Baroque Music to Know for Music History – 1600 to 1750

Baroque music, spanning from 1600 to 1750, is marked by its dramatic contrasts, intricate melodies, and the rise of new forms like opera and concerto. Key elements like basso continuo and improvisation shaped its rich, expressive sound.

1. Basso continuo (figured bass)

   • A foundational element in Baroque music, providing harmonic support.
   • Typically played by keyboard instruments (like harpsichord) and a bass instrument (like cello).
   • Musicians read figures or symbols indicating chords to be played above the bass line, allowing for improvisation.

2. Emphasis on contrast and drama

   • Music often contrasts loud and soft dynamics, fast and slow tempos, and different instrumental timbres.
   • This dramatic approach reflects the emotional intensity of the period, often mirroring theatrical elements.
   • Composers used contrast to create tension and resolution, enhancing the listener's experience.

3. Use of ornate melodies and ornamentation

   • Melodies are often elaborate and embellished with decorative notes, known as ornaments.
   • Ornamentation adds expressiveness and showcases the virtuosity of performers.
   • Composers encouraged performers to add their own embellishments, leading to unique interpretations.

4. Development of major-minor tonality

   • The establishment of a clear tonal center, with a focus on major and minor scales.
   • This system replaced the modal system of the Renaissance, allowing for greater harmonic exploration.
   • Major-minor tonality became the foundation for Western music, influencing future compositions.

5. Increased use of instrumental music

   • Instrumental music gained prominence, with the rise of genres like sonatas, concertos, and suites.
   • Composers began to write specifically for instruments, highlighting their unique characteristics.
   • The development of new instruments and improvements in existing ones expanded the possibilities for composers.

6. Rise of opera and oratorio

   • Opera emerged as a major art form, combining music, drama, and visual elements.
   • Oratorios, similar to operas but typically based on religious themes, became popular in concert settings.
   • Both forms utilized the expressive capabilities of music to convey complex narratives and emotions.

7. Terraced dynamics

   • A style of dynamics characterized by abrupt changes between loud and soft passages, rather than gradual crescendos and decrescendos.
   • This technique enhances the dramatic effect of the music, creating a sense of contrast.
   • Terraced dynamics were often used in ensemble music, allowing for clear differentiation between sections.

8. Use of ground bass and ostinato

   • Ground bass is a repeating bass line over which variations are created, providing a stable foundation for the music.
   • Ostinato refers to any repeated musical phrase, often used to create a sense of continuity.
   • Both techniques contribute to the structure and coherence of compositions, allowing for creative elaboration.

9. Emergence of concerto grosso

   • A form featuring a small group of solo instruments (concertino) contrasted with a larger ensemble (ripieno).
   • Showcases the interplay between soloists and the orchestra, highlighting individual virtuosity.
   • The concerto grosso became a popular genre, particularly in the works of composers like Corelli and Vivaldi.

10. Improvisation and embellishment

    • Musicians were often expected to improvise during performances, particularly in ornamentation and cadences.
    • This practice allowed performers to showcase their creativity and technical skill.
    • Improvisation was a key aspect of Baroque performance, making each rendition unique.