Form/style: Concerto Grosso. A work of three distinct movements.
A small group of solo instruments, in this case flute and violin is set against a larger group of mainly string instruments of the violin family called the tutti (all).
A harpsichord plays the part of basso continuo, or, figured bass.
Characteristics of Baroque instrumental Music
Unity of mood. The mood expressed in a movement or piece continues that way to the end. Contributing elements are:
1. Rhythmic patterns repeat. This unites the material and provides an uninterrupted energy that
drives the music.
2. Melodic repetition. A melody will retain its character through many repetitions, even when
stretched out and played at a higher or lower pitch.
3. Terraced Dynamics. Alternations between playing forte as f (loud) and piano as p (soft).
4. Polyphonic Texture. Two or more melodic lines are heard.
5. Basso Continuo. A single line of written music for the left hand has added several numbers below
some ofthe notes to indicate the arrangement of other notes to be played at the same time by the
right hand as chords, or as an improvised melody.
6. Ritornello Form. The alternation between solo and tutti sections. The Ritornello is the opening
theme and it returns in fragments, in different keys, finally returning to the original key ite
last appearance. This theme unifies the movement.
7. Contrasting moods in a work of several movements. Usually fast, slow, fast.
The Baroque Orchestra.
Ten to thirty or so players on instruments mainly from the violin family: Violin, Viola, and Violoncello, Bass Violin. Harpsichord was a regular member of the orchestra. Flute, oboe, Baroque trumpet were included depending on available players, and the tone colors desired by the composer.
The Brandenburg Concerto No. 5
Bach composed the Brandenburg Concerto No 5 in about 1719 for the Prince of Coethen who had just bought a new harpsichord. Bach was a virtuoso harpsichord performer and included in this work an extended solo for the instrument that glitters with technical brilliance and skill. We will listen to and study only the first movement of the three: An Allegro (fast) in Ritornello Form.
Follow the tune map to catch all the structural elements.
Q. What is a 'virtuoso?'
First Movement: Allegro
Ritornello form, duple meter, in D Major (a two count beat)
Flute, violin, harpsichord (solo group) string orchestra and basso continuo (tutti)
Loud is symbolized by f for forte. Soft is p or pp for very soft.
