Describe in detail three key features of the Baroque era.
- Continuo - an accompaniying part of the baroque ochestra that provides the bass line. This is played by either a keyborad instrument (harpsichord/ organ), or a low string instrument (cello/ double bass). It is written with the use of figured bass, which is shown by small numbers written underneath the instruments stave, they indicate the intervals from the bass note of the chord. Thinking about it in this way it can be considered an early type of improvisation. 2. Mainly diantonic harmonies - the frequent use of chords I, V and IV in the tonic key, giving a simple sound harmonically to the piece. The piece will also contain main cadences to emforce this simple harmony. 3. Countrapuntal textures - contrasting to the use of simple harmony counterpoint is used. Textures that contain two or more independent melodic lines happening at the same time.
KC
