Wait a second!
More handpicked essays just for you.
More handpicked essays just for you.
art & music in the baroque period
art & music in the baroque period
research on the baroque music
Don’t take our word for it - see why 10 million students trust us with their essay needs.
Recommended: art & music in the baroque period
Baroque Period (1600-1750)
Baroque Music Characteristics 2
Rhythm
•Most baroque music has an easily recognizable strong, steady pulse, and continuity of rhythm.
•Patterns of rhythmic sequences permeate much of Baroque music.
•Rapid changes in harmony often makes the pieces feel more rhythmic.
•Dance rhythms were frequently used in multi-movement form pieces.
•Dotted rhythms were widely used.
Harmony
•Figured Bass—a system of numbers placed under the music—was developed to indicate clearly the harmonies that should be played with each note indicated in the bass line. The figured bass was typically realized—performed—by the harpsichord.
•The use of the basso continuo, also known as thoroughbass, is a bass line running continuously throughout a piece. The basso continuo is usually played by a bass string and/or low woodwind instrument plus the harpsichord and/or organ. Development of well-tempered tuning and the major-minor tonal system, together with an increased use of chromaticism, the use of all the half steps. There is a distinct shift from the modal system of...
A sinfonia (Italian for symphony) broadly refers to a number of instrumental works from the Baroque period, including symphonies, sonatas, canzonas, concerti, and Italian opera overtures. Even J.S. Bach titles his “three-part” inventions for harpsichord “Sinfonia”. Torelli’s Sinfonia in D (G.8) is a four-movement “concerto” for trumpet, strings and harpsichord continuo. Unlike a concerto grosso, where a main theme is presented and then reappears in fragments, the main themes of Sinfonia in D are developed rather freely. The second movement (Adagio) is a very short, slow, interlude without trumpet that introduces the third movement (Allegro). Hence, the program shows these two movements as “adagio-allegro” joined together.
ground in terms of the exposure of the bass as a solo instrument and its unique role
The European Baroque period lasted from 1600-1750 A.D.. Music from this period often had identifying characteristics: expressing mood through both instrumental and vocal music, consistent rhythmic patterns, terraced dynamics that change suddenly rather than gradually, basso continuo, complex melodies, and polyphonic textures (Kamien 148). Composers like Monteverdi, Vivaldi, Bach, Purcell, and Handel were prominent during the European Baroque period and composed both sacred and secular music: operas, oratorios, cantatas, concertos, and suites (“Baroque Music”). British Rock is the blanket term for music of the alternative genre made in the United Kingdom. Much of the British Rock culture got its influence from American Rock and Roll music of the 1950’s, and had characteristics similar to that music such as strong rhythms and powerful lyrics. Popular British Rock artists such as Queen, The Rolling Stones, Coldplay, and Muse perform sub-genres such as indie rock, post-punk, post britpop, and others. Even though these two music cultures seem very different, they share three main compositional similarities: word painting, basso ostinato or “ground bass”, and polyphonic texture.
The baroque has been called a theatrical style, one that deals in spectacle, grandeur, and dramatic contrast. Test these concepts in an essay that discusses the baroque as an expression of the Catholic Reformation, Protestant devotionalism, the Scientific Revolution, and the Age of Absolutism. Define your general statements with specific examples. The following essay will discuss the baroque period and how the Catholic Reformation, Protestant devotionalism, and the Scientific Revolution influenced it. The Baroque period generally refers to the years 1600 to1750. Classicism of the Renaissance has been replenished during the Baroque period. During the Baroque artistic period, the exploration of the fundamental components of human nature and the realm of senses and emotions were very crucial. The Baroque era was a very dynamic time that showed an abundance of radiance and color. Artists of this time were passionate and sensual. Their works were many times considered to have an overpowering emotional effect. The superficial form of light was fascinated during this period due to the thoughts of godlike sun or the truth of the Holy Spirit. The Baroque naturalism maintains the religious themes in content. The elements of perception in the Baroque art are how we perceived the natural human figures are in motion through space, time, and light. We present and analyze the extent of human actions and passions in all its degrees of lightness, darkness, and intensity. The scientific revolution also had a tremendous impact on art during this time. Scientists started to study the earth and it’s positioning in the universe. This was a time when the people started take more of an interest in astronomy and mathematical equations. During the time of the Catholic Reformation artists began to challenge all the rules that society has set for artistic design. Artist starting with Parmigianino, Tintoretto, and El Greco began to add a wide variety of colors into their paintings, challenging the way things have been done in the past. These artists also added abnormal figures or altered the proportions in paintings. This is displayed in Parmigianino’s painting, Madonna of the long neck. During this time the Catholic Church was in a transition period moving from their recent reputation and becoming a well-respected organization. During this reform, an autobiography written by Layola about Saint Teresa of Avila set a new tone for Catholics to follow. This influenced people to have a more spiritual outlook on life.
The Italian Baroque’s love of dramatic effects in artistic expression is one of the most recognizable features of the Italian Baroque. Architecture, music, painting, and sculpture all have very good examples that utilize dramatic effects very effectively. In the next few minutes, we will explore an example of each and highlight the various features that illustrate the dramatic effects that characterize the Italian Baroque. We will begin with Artemisia Gentileschi’s painting Judith and Maidservant with Head of Holofernes. We will then explore Francesco Borromini’s design for San Carlo alle Quattro. Then we will examine Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s sculpture David. Finally, we will discuss George Frederick Handel’s oratorio Messiah.
Some of these are a result of building on what was begun in the previous era. Both the Baroque era and the Classical era wrote choral music of a sacred nature, and moved from the acapella choirs of the past eras. Prominent composers such as Bach in the Baroque era wrote cantatas for the Lutheran service, and Handel wrote oratorios for the Catholic Church. These were performed with SATB voices with instrumental accompaniment. As was the style of Baroque composers they were dramatic, used imitative polyphony, moved to major and minor scales, and had a type of base line. The basso continuo was very much present in Baroque music. Classical era composers such as Haydn and Mozart wrote oratorios and music for the Mass, and Mozart wrote most of his own Requiem. These works were different in that they were on a much larger scale with the use of more instruments, and were mostly
(TheRealConcertKing), the polyphonic contrapuntal style is apparent. However, it is accompanied by concerto grosso with use of the technique of terraced dynamics in ritornello form (Whitehouse 76). In Johann Sebastian Bach’s, “Brandenburg Concerto No 4 G major BWV 1049”(Classical Vault 2), the major and minor tonality is obvious, The terraced dynamic are clearly heard when the solo (violin and two flutes) play and when the full orchestra plays (Whitehouse 86). Author Whitehouse writes,” The immediate decrease in sound when the smaller group plays and a return to a full sound when the full orchestra plays” (Whitehouse 87). Bach also used ritornello form in “Brandenburg Concerto No 4 G major BWV 1049” (Classical Vault 2). Bach’s chosen ripieno is, tutti, solo, tutti, solo, tutti, solo (Whitehouse 8...
vocal lines. The differences between the vocal and instrumental idioms increased. Pieces of the Baroque era favored stringed instruments and allowed more room for improvisation throughout.
In the Baroque period, the performance venue usually was within churches and courts. These locations were not built to suit instrumental performances, and were more of just a venue to perform more than a designed venue like there is in the 21st century. Starting...
“Music” as defined by the Oxford Dictionary, is “vocal or instrumental sounds combined in such a way as to produce the beauty of form, harmony, and expression of emotion.” Emotion, and the treatment of emotion, is indubitably an important aspect of music from all eras, but the manner in which emotion is expressed, has changed over time. Throughout the Baroque period (c. 1600 – 1750) musicians attempted to cause a specific extreme emotion in the listener, while during the Classical period (c. 1750-1825) composers sought to produce a balance of emotions. Due to philosophical and artistic movements that occurred, emotion, a critical element of music, was conveyed differently between the Baroque and Classical periods.
As the seventeenth century began the Catholic Church was having a hard time bringing back the people who were swept away by the protestant reformation. The conflict between the protestant had a big influence on art. (Baroque Art) The church decided to appeal to the human emotion and feeling. They did so by introducing a style called Baroque. Baroque was first developed in Rome and it was dedicated to furthering the aims of Counter Reformation. Baroque was first used in Italy than later spread to the north. In this paper I will argue that the Italian Baroque pieces were more detailed and captured the personality of the figure, in contrast and comparison to Northern Baroque pieces that aimed to produce a sense of excitement and to move viewers in an emotional sense leaving them in awe. I will prove this by talking about the different artwork and pieces of Italian Baroque art versus Northern Baroque Art.
One of the characteristics of the Italian Baroque is the realistic depiction of human figures, vivid use of color and foreshadowing techniques, especially in the paintings. In addition, the figures of the paintings seem to emerge from the background, giving huge differences between light and dark. The Italian baroque structure has a sense of movement and that of energy when in static form. The sculptures make the observers to have multiple viewpoints. The Baroque architecture has characteristic domes, colonnades, giving an impression of volume and void.
Over the past several years, some amateur musicians have developed specific ideas about 'correct' performance practice of Baroque music. In an essay concerning the issues of Baroque music performance, Michael Sartorius notes that:
Johann Sebastian Bach was known as a musical master wrote many amazing masterpieces. One of the lesser known pieces is Bach’s BWV 543, entitled “Prelude and Fugue in A minor” and otherwise nicknamed “The Great.” This music is said not to be a famous piece for organ but does itself justice when compared to his similar and more famous works. The tight structure of the piece intertwined with its highly virtuosic nature is a great example of the influence the Baroque era had on Bach and his musical thought process.
Music throughout the ages has changed dramatically. Starting in the Medieval period, from 400-1475, music was in the form of what is called the Gregorian chant. Instruments were very rarely used at this time. Since songs during this period were either troubadour or trouvere these chants had no real harmony. One example of this type of medieval composition is “Viderunt Omnes” by Leoninus. Like most Gregorian chants the texture of this piece is monophonic and polyphonic. “Viderunt Omnes” is a typical Gregorian chant in that it uses diatonic, not chromatic notes of the scale. Musical compositions during the Medieval period was made mostly by members of the church for the church. It was and is a very slow and steady movement that was meant to create a feeling of peace for worship purposes.