The Baroque period
I can identify key features of Baroque music.
Copyrighted materials: to view and download resources from this lesson, you’ll need to be in the UK and
- Year 10
- AQA
The Baroque period
I can identify key features of Baroque music.
Copyrighted materials: to view and download resources from this lesson, you’ll need to be in the UK and
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Baroque music has certain distinctive characteristics.
- These include use of continuo, terraced dynamics and contrapuntal textures.
- Melodies are often long and flowing and are decorated with ornamentation.
- Key genres include the trio sonata, suite, prelude and fugue, concerto and overture.
Keywords
Baroque period - the period of Western classical music between 1600 and 1750
Continuo - the accompaniment section of the Baroque orchestra, normally including harpsichord and a bass stringed instrument (e.g. cello)
Ornamentation - when a performer decorates a melody with extra notes (e.g. trills, turns)
Terraced dynamics - where dynamics change suddenly, rather than gradually
Contrapuntal - a type of polyphonic texture that includes two or more interweaving melodic lines
Common misconception
All Baroque music is contrapuntal / polyphonic.
Textures are varied in the Baroque period, but use of contrapuntal/polyphonic textures was very common and contrasts with the later Classical period. This is a typical texture of the period, but not the only one.
Equipment
Licence
Sign in to continue
Our content remains 100% free, but to access certain copyrighted materials, you'll need to sign in. This ensures we’re both staying within the rules.
P.S. Signing in also gives you more ways to make the most of Oak like unit downloads!
