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Key Terms
basso continuo ground bass (basso ostinato) functional harmony opera recitative aria arioso chorus
played by
bass melody instruments (cello, bass) chording instruments (keyboard, lute)
Functional Harmony
relies on major and minor scales
sense of stability disorientation of dissonance or modulation
more focus on chord progressions over strong bass line more predictable, purposefulmore modern!
Stylistic Features
Greater Rhythmic Freedom
Elaborate, complex rhythms Because of homophonic texture
Stylistic Features
Emergence of Program Music
Instrumental music connected to story or idea
Style Features
Growing importance of Instruments and Instrumental Music
The Golden Age of organ building and violin making Harpsichord vs. Piano Emergence of the orchestra Instrumental Virtuosos
Style Features
Emergence of National Styles
Italian VS French VS German
Opera
most characteristic Baroque art form ideal vehicle for individual emotionalism ideal example of extravagance and control
lavish mix of many art forms rigid schemes (recitative and aria)
aria
descending bass line repeated phrases
chorus
alternates imitation and homophony uses word painting