Question 1: Describe the general characteristics of Baroque music, including its tempo, texture, and use of ornamentation.

Answer: Baroque music is often characterized by a steady, repetitive bass line called basso continuo, elaborate ornamentation, expressive melodies, and a contrast of textures such as homophony and polyphony. It tends to have a moderate to fast tempo and a sense of grandeur.

Question 2: Identify the typical musical features you would expect to hear in a Baroque piece of music.

Answer: Features include the use of basso continuo, ornamented melodies, contrast between loud and soft dynamics (terraced dynamics), and a focus on melody and bass line.

Question 3: Listen carefully to a piece of music from the Baroque era. How does the use of repetition and contrast help to create interest in the music?

Answer: Repetition of motifs and themes provides familiarity, while sudden contrasts in dynamics, texture, or rhythm create variety and maintain listener engagement.

Question 4: Name two famous composers from the Baroque period and one of their well-known works.

Answer: Johann Sebastian Bach - 'Brandenburg Concerto No. 3'; George Frideric Handel - 'The Messiah'.

Question 5: Explain what is meant by the term 'basso continuo' and its role in Baroque music.

Answer: 'Basso continuo' refers to a continuous bass line played by instruments such as the harpsichord and cello, providing harmonic foundation and structure for the music.

Question 6: Describe the typical structure of a Baroque concerto and how it differs from modern concertos.

Answer: A Baroque concerto often features a contrast between a solo instrument or group (concertino) and the full orchestra (ripieno), usually following a three-movement structure: fast-slow-fast. Unlike modern concertos, Baroque concertos tend to be more dance-like and repetitive.

Question 7: Listen to a short excerpt of a Baroque piece. Describe the role of the harpsichord and how it might sound.

Answer: The harpsichord provides harmonic support and often emphasizes the bass line. It sounds bright, plucky, and sharp, with a consistent attack on each note due to its plucking mechanism.

Question 8: Sketch a simple example of a basso continuo line. Describe what features your sketch should include.

Answer: A correct sketch would show a bass line with steady, repeating notes, possibly with some ornamentation or melodic movement, indicating a continuous harmonic foundation. It should be written in a bass clef and include rhythmic notation.

Question 9: In what ways did Baroque music influence later musical styles? Provide two examples.

Answer: Baroque music established the importance of structured harmony and ornamentation, influencing Classical and Romantic composers. It also popularized forms like the concerto and fugue.

Question 10: Describe the concept of 'contrast' in Baroque music and give an example of how this might be heard.

Answer: Contrast in Baroque music often involves sudden changes in volume, texture, or instrument groupings, such as a loud, full orchestra switching to a soft, solo passage.

Question 11: Explain how the use of ornamentation in Baroque music differs from modern styles.

Answer: Baroque ornamentation involves elaborate trills, mordents, and passing notes that are often written into the music, whereas modern styles tend to favor simpler, more straightforward melodies.