Chapter 7The Early Baroque Period

Style Features of Early Baroque

Music

Key Terms

Basso continuo

Ground bass

Basso ostinato

Functional harmony

Style Features of Early Baroque Music

Extravagance & emotional expression tempered by scientific inquiry and logic

Methodical use of musical elements to express emotions• Rhythm and Meter

Influence of dance rhythms

• Functional Harmony Major and minor scales

• Texture: Basso Continuo Importance of instrumental music

LETS LOOK AT THESE INDIVIDUALLY

Rhythm and Meter

Baroque rhythm ranged between two extremes—•Free speech-rhythms of recitative•Vivacious regularity of dance music

Strong beat and regular meter give much Baroque music a clear rhythmic feelConsistent repetition of patterns strengthens rhythmic feelDifferent patterns appropriate for different emotions

Texture: Basso Continuo

Consistent feature of Baroque music•Similar to rhythm section in jazz or rock bands,

and just as ubiquitous

Basso continuo played by:•Bass melody instruments (cello or bass)•Chording instruments (keyboard or lute)

Advantages of continuo:•Strong, reinforced bass line•Strong harmonic foundation—chording

instruments continuously adds chords

Texture: Ground Bass

Ground bass = repeating bass line•Ground bass compositions build melodies and

harmonies over this basso ostinato

Ostinato is a near-universal practice•Purcell, “Dido’s Lament”; Sudanese Song;

Frescobaldi, Passacaglia; Elephant-Hunt Song

Functional Harmony

Relies on major and minor scales with their strong pull toward tonicChords formerly result of melodic thinking, polyphonic combinations of linesIn continuo-based textures, more focus on chords & chord progressionsComposers worked to construct effective chord progression over strong bass lineResulting harmonies more predictable, purposeful—more modern!

Functional Harmony (2)

Harmony now capable of greater emotional & dramatic expression•Strong pull to tonic creates sense of stability,

inevitability•At the same time, it strengthens the disruption

& disorientation created by dissonances or modulations

Composers systematically create emotional states ranging between these extremes