Reference no: EM13540097
1. The baroque era in music initially heralded in the new vocal style, monody, which led to the development of opera. This style, with its melody above a simple, homophonic texture gave way to a return of complex polyphony as exemplified in the fugue. Baroque polyphony, however, remained rooted in tonal harmony (chords and progressions) so that composers balanced their counterpoint with the understanding of tonality. In other words, counterpoint became more than a way to create melodies that fit together; it was also about maintaining a harmonic framework that established a key.
2. The baroque period is often referred to as the golden age of organ building. This instrument took on national characteristics. The Germans developed a large organ with more than one manual, a versatile pedal keyboard, and a complex mixture of stops. The French developed a very colorful organ with a variety of reed stops. The English organ was similar to the French, but lighter in tone. The Italian organ generally had only one keyboard and seldom had pedals. (If they did, the pedals were usually coupled to the manuals, having no separate set of pipes.)
3. The fantasia, prelude, and toccata were showpieces, improvisatory in nature. Some performers could also improvise fugues. Continuo keyboardists had to be able to fill in harmonies above the bass line at sight. The ability to improvise was a prerequisite for the baroque keyboardist.
4. When listening to a polyphonic work such as the “Little Fugue in G minor,” students can easily become overwhelmed with all that is happening. The key is for them to listen for each entrance of the subject. During the episodes, just keep their attention focused on the return of the subject.
5. The trio sonata was the preferred texture during the baroque era. Stress to your students that the trio is not three performers, but three melodic lines (bass line and two melodic lines). The ensemble performing a trio sonata consists of four performers, two plus continuo. Likewise, the solo sonata consists of the soloist and continuo for a total of three performers.