MUS 1301 Lecture Notes - Lecture 3: Johann Pachelbel, Ritornello, Eocene
11 Dec 2015
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Document Summary
Introduction of many new musical genres: opera, cantata, oratorio, sonata, concerto, and suite. Two elements remain constant: expressive, sometimes, strong supportive bass extravagant melody. All voices not created equal: emphasis on highest and lowest, middle lines fill out the texture sounding lines. Basso continuo (continual bass): a small ensemble of at least two instrumentalists who provide a foundation for the melody heard above: usually a low string instrument and a harpsichord. Figured bass: numerical shorthand places below the bass line: basis for improvised chords. Baroque: excessive ornamentation in the visual arts and a rough/bold instrument sound in music: energetic, detail, grandiose, flamboyant, drama created through contrast spaces. Construction on the grandest scale: saint peter"s in rome, space filled with abundant, even excessive, decoration. Composition for colossal forces: baroque orchestra of kl xv sometimes had as many as 80+ players, some sacred choral works required 25, 48, even 53 separate lines or parts.
