The Baroque period
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can identify key features of Baroque music.
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.
Teacher tip
Where possible, create further opportunities for pupils to consolidate the learning in this lesson through further listening. Suggested repertoire: J.S. Bach's 'Well-Tempered Clavier' and 'Brandenburg' Concertos, Vivaldi's Four Seasons, Handel's Water Music and the overtures of Jean-Baptiste Lully.
Licence
Lesson video
Loading...
Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match each Baroque term to its meaning.
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
a collection of short dance movements
Q2.Which of these is a common texture used in Baroque music?
Q3.Which of these best describes terraced dynamics?
Q4.The style of music where two or more melodies are played at the same time is called .
Q5.A long, flowing Baroque melody is often decorated with __________.
Q6.Which of these genres was not developed during the Baroque period?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of these is a distinctive feature of Baroque music?
Q2.A Baroque composition that includes different voices entering with the same theme is called a .
Q3.Which of these correctly describes the melodies in Baroque music?
Q4.Match each Baroque genre to its description.
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
Q5.Which statement about texture in Baroque music is not true?
Q6.Which composer is most closely associated with Baroque oratorios and coronation anthems?
To help you plan your 10 music lesson on: The Baroque period, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 music lesson on: The Baroque period, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 music lessons from the The Western Classical Tradition: extended unit, dive into the full secondary music curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.