Welcome again to our collection, Classical Music 101! Our objective with this collection is to offer an approachable, non-intimidating introduction to classical music so you can begin appreciating this timeless musical style.
In our final article, we regarded on the origins of classical music, starting with the traditional Greeks and ending with the Renaissance. Western artwork/live performance music, what we now popularly name classical music, started with easy monophonic chanting and developed extra complexity with the introduction of polyphony as time progressed. A major function of early Western music was that it was voice-based — devices have been used sparingly. It wasn’t till the tip of the Renaissance that Western music started shifting to turn into predominated by devices.
In immediately’s article, we’ll take a musical tour of the Baroque period. Put in your powdered wig, and let’s get going.
The Baroque Period (1600-1750)
The Baroque period started roughly round 1600 with the composition of the primary opera and lasted till the loss of life of Johann Sebastian Bach in 1750.
The phrase “baroque” comes from Portuguese and means “irregular pearl.” It was initially used to unflatteringly describe the artwork, structure, and music produced within the seventeenth and 18th centuries. Early critics thought the artwork, music, and structure of the 1600s and early 1700s have been too ornate and too flamboyant. However with time, “baroque” misplaced its reproachful that means.
Baroque music is large, elaborate, intricate, and emotional whereas being ruled by logic and order. The logic and order of Baroque music laid the muse for musical notation and idea that we nonetheless use immediately.
It was additionally throughout the Baroque interval that Western music started to be primarily instrumental. The harpsichord was a favourite instrument of Baroque composers. In case you hear a classical piece with a harpsichord, chances are high it’s from the Baroque period.
A humorous apart about harpsichords: Conductor Sir Thomas Beecham, who wasn’t a fan of the instrument, as soon as in contrast the sound of a harpsichord to “two skeletons copulating on a tin roof in a thunderstorm.” Lol. Sir Beecham has no chill.
What was behind the bigness, the ornateness, and the orderliness of Baroque music? Properly, a number of issues:
First, the Baroque interval noticed the rise of monarchs with absolute energy — suppose King Louis XIV of France. This centralization of energy right into a single particular person led to a requirement for structure, artwork, and music that might improve the status of a monarch and their royal courts. Composers have been employed to write down music that glorified the king and added to his larger-than-life picture.
Second, throughout the Baroque period, you noticed vital scientific advances. Newton found that legal guidelines and arithmetic ruled the universe. Musicians started to use this scientific view to their music by writing items ruled by logic, order, and math.
Third, in response to the Protestant Reformation, the Catholic Church started the Counter-Reformation that noticed the embrace of music as a technique to win souls. You begin to see a shift away from plainchant music in church buildings in the direction of elaborate, dramatic, extremely emotional musical items designed to encourage non secular awe within the listener.
Traits of Baroque Period Music
Counterpoint. Counterpoint is a way of composing with interdependent but impartial melodic strains. A chunk with counterpoint can have two strains of melody that may be performed independently, however when put collectively, kind a fancy and cohesive piece of music wealthy in texture. The fugue is a musical kind developed throughout the Baroque period that used counterpoint. Right here’s an instance of a fugue that showcases counterpoint superbly. Notice how complicated and textured it sounds:
Basso continuo. Basso continuo is a steady bass line that gives a rhythmic spine for all the range and complexity in a Baroque piece. Right here’s an instance of basso continuo (it’s Dutch; the cello and double bass present the basso continuo):
Rhythmic patterns. Baroque music often encompasses a driving rhythm that continues persistently all through the piece. Rhythmic patterns established in the beginning are often maintained to offer momentum and underpin the decorative melodies.
Unity of temper. Baroque music sometimes has a single temper all through the piece from begin to end. It isn’t till the Classical period that you simply see fluctuating feelings in a single piece.
Baroque Musical Varieties
The Baroque interval noticed the event of particular musical types. We talked about the fugue above. Different Baroque types embody the sonata, oratorio, cantata, and the concerto grosso.
The opera was an important musical kind developed throughout the Baroque period. Italian composers sought to revive the emotional resonance of the traditional Greek refrain with a stage spectacle that tells a dramatic story set to steady music.
Key Baroque Composers
Claudio Monteverdi (1567-1643). Monteverdi is taken into account the bridge between the Renaissance period and the Baroque period. His most vital contribution to the Baroque period was the event of Italian opera. His most well-known piece is his opera “L’Orfeo,” which premiered in 1607. It’s based mostly on the Greek fable of Orpheus going to the underworld to save lots of his beloved Eurydice. You may watch the entire thing right here:
Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741). Antonio Vivaldi was an Italian composer of the Baroque interval and is finest recognized for his vibrant and ingenious instrumental compositions, significantly his concertos. His music is characterised by its energetic rhythms, vibrant melodies, and daring use of concord and texture. Moreover being a genius composer, Vivaldi was a violin virtuoso.
His most well-known work was “4 Seasons” — a set of 4 violin concertos that depict scenes applicable for every season of the 12 months, full with chook calls in “Spring,” a thunderstorm in “Summer season,” a hunters’ dance in “Autumn,” and icy winds in “Winter.” Take a pay attention:
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750). In case you needed to decide one composer who symbolizes Baroque music, that composer can be Johann Sebastian Bach. The man was a prolific musician who pumped out fugues, cantatas, and oratorios like nobody’s enterprise.
Bach is understood for his complicated counterpoints, rhythmic selection, and emotional expressiveness. While you hearken to a chunk from Bach, you’re stunned by how technical and ornate it sounds.
Listed below are a number of items from Bach to take a look at:
George Frederic Handel (1685-1759). Handel was a up to date of Bach who made a reputation for himself along with his stunning melodies and stirring use of choruses in his operas and oratorios. His most well-known piece is his oratorio, Messiah. Its well-known “Hallelujah” refrain captures the dramatic aptitude that Handel dropped at his music.
Take a hearken to the “Hallelujah” refrain from the “Messiah.” Boy, do I get a swelling feeling in my chest each time I hear it:
In case you’re in search of extra Baroque period music, take a hearken to this nice playlist on Spotify.
That’s it for immediately’s crash course. In our subsequent article, we’ll check out the Classical period.
