Baroque and Classical Music: Composers and Characteristics

Concerto Grosso: An Overview

One of the most exciting types of Baroque music is the concerto grosso (a word which may come from Italian, meaning “get together”). We can trace the idea of the concerto back to the Renaissance. The seeds were sown in the Polychoral pieces written by composers such as Giovanni Gabrieli. The ideas of opposition and strong contrast led to the baroque concerto grosso. In this form, composers like Corelli, Haydn, and Bach contrasted two groups of instruments: a small group

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Spanish Theater: Poetic Drama, Independent Groups, and Protest

The Poetic Drama

Alejandro Casona: We consider two aspects of his theater: the fantastic and the educational. In La Sirena Varada, Trees Die Standing, and La dama del alba, he demonstrates his skill in creating a surreal and magical atmosphere through poetic language. In works like Nuestra Natacha, Casona attempts to communicate certain ideas, to teach.

Antonio Gala has excelled in all genres: poetry, novel, television screenplay, journalism, and theater. He entered the world of drama with The Green

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Baroque Music: History, Characteristics, and Forms

Chronology of the Baroque Period

The Baroque period followed the Renaissance and preceded Classicism. It spanned from the 17th century until the middle of the 18th century. Musically, it began with the emergence of opera, marked by Jacobo Peri’s Euridice (the first preserved opera) composed in 1600, and ended with the death of J.S. Bach in 1750.

Social Context

Absolutist monarchies were prevalent, with the King representing the maximum power. Society was divided into three estates:

  • 1st Estate: King
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Renaissance Music: Key Concepts and History

What Does Renaissance Mean?

Renaissance means “rebirth.” It signifies a return to classical standards, placing humans at the center of the universe. This period saw a spectacular development of the arts.

What Inspired the Renaissance?

The Renaissance was inspired by Greco-Roman antiquity.

Which Fields Did the Renaissance Cover?

The Renaissance encompassed architecture, painting, literature, philosophy, and music.

How Are Renaissance Artists Known?

Renaissance artists are known as humanists.

Who Were the

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Musical Journey: West Africa to Southeast Asia

West Africa

Ghana

Mami Wata – Kwaa Mensah

Vintage Palmwine. Mami Wata is a water spirit recognized in various forms across West Africa.

Nigeria

Taxi Driver – Bobby Benson

Dance-band Highlife in Nigeria.

“Viva Nigeria” – Fela Kuti

Highlife-jazz style. Gained recognition and financial support from the Nigerian federal government. The song later embarrassed the Nigerian federal government due to its slogan, “Keep Nigeria One.”

James Brown

Superbad “funk,” an influence on Fela Kuti’s mature Afrobeat

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Baroque Art and Music in 17th-18th Century Europe

Baroque Art and Music

Baroque Art in Italy

Baroque art originated in Italy and immediately spread throughout Europe. It is a decorative, sensuous, moving art, full of contrasts. Its style is very expressive, with a great sense of drama. It can become affected and luxuriant because of the passion for fantasy and ornamentation.

Baroque Music

Baroque music is also very striking: colorful, vital, moving, and full of dynamic contrasts. It presents many contrasts.

In Spain, there was no shortage of music,

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