the period of Western classical music between 1600 and 1750

the accompaniment section of the Baroque orchestra, normally including harpsichord and a bass stringed instrument (e.g. cello)

when a performer decorates a melody with extra notes (e.g. trills, turns)

where dynamics change suddenly, rather than gradually

a type of polyphonic texture that includes two or more interweaving melodic lines

Listen for those two instruments here

British English CC

Listen to those two instruments without the rest of the orchestra

turn

mordent

trill

Which do you think is a Baroque melody? Clip 1

Which do you think is a Baroque melody? Clip 2

The Baroque period

Music

The Classical period

The Romantic period

Texture and harmony across the eras

Classical music in the 20th century

This unit builds on the Introduction to the WCT unit, exploring the Baroque, Classical and Romantic periods in greater depth, assessing the development of key musical trends, and finishing with a look at developments in the 20th century.

The Western Classical Tradition: extended

Which of these is a distinctive feature of Baroque music?

A Baroque composition that includes different voices entering with the same theme is called a {{}}.

long, flowing, and decorated with ornamentation

Which of these correctly describes the melodies in Baroque music?

written for two solo instruments and continuo

an introductory piece, often free-flowing

features a soloist or group contrasted with an orchestra

a large-scale musical work based on a sacred story

Match each Baroque genre to its description.

Baroque music often uses contrapuntal texture.

All Baroque music is contrapuntal or polyphonic.

Textures vary throughout the Baroque period.

Other textures besides contrapuntal were also used.

Which statement about texture in Baroque music is not true?

Which composer is most closely associated with Baroque oratorios and coronation anthems?

a continuous bass part with chordal accompaniment

extra musical flourishes added to decorate a melody

a composition built on a main theme repeated in different voices

Which of these is a common texture used in Baroque music?

sudden shifts between loud and soft sections

Which of these best describes terraced dynamics?

The style of music where two or more melodies are played at the same time is called {{}}.

A long, flowing Baroque melody is often decorated with __________.

Which of these genres was not developed during the Baroque period?

Starter Quiz

Match each Baroque term to its meaning.