Final answer:
In Baroque music, the use of repeated patterns of notes at varying pitch levels in the same voice is called a sequence. This technique was essential for creating rhythmic vitality and thematic continuity in Baroque compositions.
Step-by-step explanation:
One of the most effective means of providing forward motion in Baroque music is the use of repeated patterns of notes at different pitch levels in the same voice, which is called a sequence. This technique, characterized by the successively higher or lower repetition of a motif or phrase, was a cornerstone in Baroque composition, contributing significantly to the rhythmic vitality and advancing harmonies of the era's music. The Baroque period saw the prolific use of sequences, which helped to create a sense of continuity and expansion, tying together musical ideas and aiding in the development of more intricate forms.
Baroque music, in its pursuit of emotional expression and dramatic contrasts, often utilized this device to create a propelling motion that would drive a piece forward. The pattern and rhythm established by sequences not only reinforced the thematic elements but also provided a framework upon which composers like Johann Sebastian Bach and Antonio Vivaldi built their elaborate, ornate musical structures.