Question 1: Describe two characteristics of the Baroque period's musical style, particularly in terms of rhythm and harmony.

Answer: Baroque music often features a continuous, rhythmic drive with a clear, steady beat. Harmony is characterized by the use of basso continuo and frequent use of ornamentation and functional harmony with frequent use of tonality.

Question 2: Identify the typical structure of a Baroque fugue and explain how the subject is introduced and developed.

Answer: A Baroque fugue usually begins with a main theme called the subject, which is introduced by one voice. This is followed by entries of the subject in other voices, often with episodes and development sections that explore different keys and motifs.

Question 3: Listen carefully to a piece of Baroque music described as having a prominent harpsichord. What role does the harpsichord play in this style?

Answer: The harpsichord provides the basso continuo, underpinning the harmony and often playing the bass line and chords, supporting the structure of the piece.

Question 4: Explain the concept of basso continuo and its importance in Baroque music.

Answer: Basso continuo is a continuous bass part played by a bass instrument (like a viola da gamba or cello) combined with a keyboard instrument (harpsichord or organ) that realization chords. It provides harmonic foundation and drives the rhythm.

Question 5: Sketch a simple example of a Baroque ornament, such as a trill or mordent. Include a brief description of how it is performed.

Answer: A trill is a rapid alternation between the main note and the note above it, often indicated by the abbreviation 'tr' in music notation. A mordent involves a quick alternation between the main note and the note below or above it.

Question 6: Describe the typical use of dynamics in Baroque music and how composers expressed contrast without modern volume markings.

Answer: Baroque music generally features terraced dynamics, where volume levels change abruptly rather than gradually. Composers created contrast through the use of different groups of instruments or voices playing loudly or softly.

Question 7: Identify two composers associated with the Baroque period and mention one of their famous works.

Answer: Johann Sebastian Bach, known for his 'Brandenburg Concertos' and 'The Well-Tempered Clavier'; George Frideric Handel, famous for 'Messiah' and 'Water Music.'

Question 8: Describe the typical instrumentation of a Baroque orchestra or ensemble. Include at least three different instrument types.

Answer: Baroque ensembles often included string instruments like violins, violas, and cellos; a continuo group with harpsichord or organ and bass instrument; and sometimes woodwinds such as flutes or recorders.

Question 9: Explain how the concept of 'contrast' is used in Baroque music, giving an example involving texture or instrumentation.

Answer: Contrast is achieved through changes in texture, such as switching between polyphony and homophony, or by alternating between solo and ensemble sections. For example, a concerto grosso contrasts a small group of soloists with the full orchestra.

Question 10: Draw a simple musical staff with a basic melody typical of Baroque style. Indicate the use of ornamentation such as a trill or mordent on one note. Describe what a correct sketch should include.

Answer: A correct sketch would show a short melody with a few notes, including at least one note marked with an ornament symbol (like 'tr' for trill). The melody should have a clear, baroque-style phrase with ornamentation applied to a note in the sequence.