Question

What is a common feature of baroque instrumental music?

A) Emotional calm
B) Constantly changing moods
C) A focus on the dark side of humanity
D) One basic mood

Answer 1

Baroque instrumental music is characterized by maintaining one basic mood throughout the piece, as opposed to constantly changing moods, reflecting a common feature of the Baroque era's emphasis on grandeur and consistency.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Baroque period in music, which spanned from around 1600 to 1750, was characterized by vigor, contrast, and the grandeur of scale. One of the common features of Baroque instrumental music is one basic mood throughout the piece. Composers like Vivaldi, Bach, and Handel wrote concertos, fugues, and suites with this remarkable consistency of mood, quite opposite of constantly changing moods. This is in contrast to the Romantic period that followed, where fluctuations in emotion were widely expressed through the music.

It's important to note that sheet music from the Baroque era often lacked detailed instructions regarding dynamics, articulation, and ornamentation, leaving much to the interpretation of the performer. This approach, however, did not detract from the overall unity in mood. The moods could vary from the brightness of a Vivaldi concerto to the somber and contemplative nature of a Bach fugue, yet each piece typically maintained its initial emotional character throughout.

Answer 2

B) Constantly changing moods is a common feature of baroque instrumental music. The baroque period, which lasted from approximately 1600 to 1750, was a time of great cultural and artistic flourishing, and music played a central role in many aspects of daily life. One of the defining characteristics of baroque music is its emotional expressiveness, and many works from this period feature constantly changing moods, from joy and exultation to sorrow and despair. This is often achieved through the use of intricate musical forms and complex harmonies, which allow the composer to create a wide range of emotional effects.