Misc Baroque Period

Claudio Monteverdi His work marks the transition from Renaissance to Baroque music. During his long life he produced work that can be classified in both categories, and he was one of the most significant revolutionaries that brought about the change in style. Monteverdi wrote the earliest dramatically viable opera, Orfeo, and was fortunate enough to enjoy fame during his lifetime.

Monteverdi Wrote 12 operas, three were preserved All music for voices and basso continuo and other instruments 1607 L'Orfeo (Claudio Monteverdi). This is widely regarded as the first operatic masterwork Il ritorno d'Ulisse in patria (Monteverdi). Monteverdi's first opera for Venice, based on Homer's Odyssey, displays the composer's mastery of portrayal of genuine individuals as opposed to stereotypes L'incoronazione di Poppea (Monteverdi). Monteverdi's last opera, composed for a Venetian audience, is often performed today. Its Venetian context helps to explain the complete absence of the moralizing tone often associated with opera of this time.

Henry Purcell Born in 1659, Henry Purcell was the finest and most original composer of his day. Though he was to live a very short life (he died in 1695) he was able to enjoy and make full use of the renewed flowering of music after the Restoration of the Monarchy. As the son of a musician at Court, a chorister at the Chapel Royal, and the holder of continuing royal appointments until his death, Purcell worked in Westminster for three different Kings over twenty-five years.

Purcell Acclaimed as the English composer of the day; last one until the 20 th Century Mastered all musical forms: church music, secular choral music, small groups, songs and music for the stage One Opera: Dido and Aeneas (1689) Buried under the organ at Westminster Abbey Some works used a variation form called Ground Bass

Ground Bass Repeated musical Idea in bass while melody is changing Basso Ostinato

Trio Sonata Main Developments in instrumental music was sonata: composition in several movements for 1-8 instruments Trio Sonata: three melodic lines (two high and basso continuo) Really involved 4 instruments: Basso Continuo- keyboard instrument(organ or harpischord) and low instrument

Trio Sonata Originated in Italy but spread during the 17 th century Played in homes, palaces and in church Sonata Da chiesa (Church Sonata): for sacred performances Sonata Da Camera (chamber sonata): dancelike