Lesson 35: Introduction to Baroque Style and Affect
- Choose a mood for a Baroque phrase you know.
- Make the mood clear through speed, tonguing and phrasing.
Give the phrase a clear mood.
An affect is a musical mood; try the three examples, then choose one for a phrase you already know.
Joyful — major, fast, leaping
Major key, fast tempo, light articulation, broken-chord and leaping figures.
Sad — minor, slow, sighing
The first note of each downward pair leans on the beat, then settles; this leaning note is an appoggiatura.
Heroic — major, dotted, ceremonial
Dotted rhythms in the French overture style. Strong attack, broad phrasing.
Play: Vivaldi, RV 443 — Largo, bar 1
First shape the Bourrée strain from Lesson 32 or a familiar minuet; save this advanced listening preview for later study.
Scroll horizontally if needed.
Now play these
- Vivaldi: RV 443 — complete Largo (advanced)
- Later study: thirteen bars with many fast added notes.
- Handel: Sonata in A minor, HWV 362 — complete Larghetto
- Later study: sustain the Larghetto’s character.
- Telemann: Duet Sonata TWV 40:101 — complete Soave, first part
- Later study after Lesson 50: sustain the Soave’s character.
When a listener can hear your chosen mood in a familiar Baroque phrase, move on to Lesson 36.