15.1 Baroque influences on Classical and Romantic music

Baroque music left an indelible mark on later musical eras. Its techniques, like counterpoint and fugue, influenced Classical and Romantic composers, shaping their works in profound ways.

Mozart, Beethoven, and Brahms all incorporated Baroque elements into their compositions. From Mozart's Requiem to Beethoven's late sonatas, these influences added depth and complexity to their music.

Baroque Influences on Classical and Romantic Music

Baroque techniques in later music

• Counterpoint
  • Multiple independent melodic lines played simultaneously
  • Widely used in Baroque era, especially by J.S. Bach
  • Continued to be employed by Classical and Romantic composers in works such as Mozart's Symphony No. 41 "Jupiter" finale and Beethoven's late string quartets
• Fugue
  • Contrapuntal composition with a main theme (subject) imitated by other voices
  • Prominent in Baroque keyboard and orchestral works
  • Later composers incorporated fugal techniques in pieces like Beethoven's Grosse Fuge, Op. 133 and Brahms' Variations and Fugue on a Theme by Handel, Op. 24
• Ritornello form
  • Alternation between a recurring theme (ritornello) and contrasting episodes
  • Common in Baroque concertos, especially those of Vivaldi
  • Influenced Classical and Romantic concerto form as heard in Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 20 in D minor, K. 466 and Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64
• Terraced dynamics
  • Sudden changes between loud and soft sections, without gradual crescendos or diminuendos
  • Characteristic of Baroque music due to limitations of instruments
  • Occasionally used by later composers for dramatic effect in works such as Beethoven's Symphony No. 5, first movement and Chopin's Piano Sonata No. 2 "Funeral March," third movement

Classical and Romantic Baroque influences

• Mozart's Requiem Mass in D minor, K. 626
  • Employs counterpoint, especially in the "Kyrie" and "Domine Jesu" movements
  • Features fugal writing in the "Sanctus" and "Agnus Dei"
  • Utilizes Baroque-style orchestration with prominent use of bassoon and trombones
• Beethoven's Piano Sonata No. 31 in A-flat major, Op. 110
  • Third movement features a fugue, demonstrating Baroque influence
  • Combines fugal technique with Classical sonata form
  • Showcases Beethoven's mastery of counterpoint and integration of Baroque elements
• Brahms' Chaconne from Violin Partita No. 2 in D minor (arr. for left hand)
  • Transcription of J.S. Bach's Chaconne for solo violin
  • Demonstrates Brahms' deep admiration for and study of Baroque music
  • Illustrates the influence of Baroque forms and techniques on Romantic composers

Baroque's impact on musical development

• Doctrine of the Affections
  • Baroque belief that music should evoke specific emotions or affections
  • Composers used musical devices (key, tempo, intervals) to convey particular emotions
  • Influenced the emotional expressivity of Classical and Romantic music in styles such as Sturm und Drang (Storm and Stress) in works by Haydn and Mozart and the heightened emotional intensity in Beethoven's compositions
• Word painting
  • Musical representation of the literal meaning of a text
  • Prevalent in Baroque vocal music, such as madrigals and opera
  • Continued to be used by Classical and Romantic composers in genres like Schubert's Lieder (art songs) and Wagner's use of leitmotifs in his operas
• Dramatic contrasts
  • Baroque music often featured strong contrasts in texture, dynamics, and mood
  • Influenced the dramatic character of later musical styles through techniques such as sudden dynamic changes in Beethoven's works and the juxtaposition of contrasting themes in Berlioz's Symphonie fantastique

Baroque elements: Classical vs Romantic

• Similarities
  • Both Classical and Romantic composers drew inspiration from Baroque forms and techniques
  • Continued use of counterpoint, fugue, and ritornello form
  • Emphasis on emotional expression and dramatic contrasts
• Differences
  • Classical period
    • More balanced and restrained use of Baroque elements
    • Focus on clarity, symmetry, and formal structure
    • Baroque techniques often integrated into Classical forms (sonata form)
  • Romantic period
    • More overt and extensive use of Baroque elements
    • Greater emphasis on emotional intensity and individual expression
    • Baroque techniques used for dramatic effect and to evoke the past
• Examples
  • Classical: Mozart's Symphony No. 41 "Jupiter" uses fugal techniques within sonata form
  • Romantic: Mendelssohn's Organ Sonatas pay direct homage to Baroque style and J.S. Bach