15.2 The Baroque revival in the 20th century
3 min read•july 18, 2024
The 20th-century Baroque revival breathed new life into music from 1600-1750. Driven by musicological research, a reaction against Romantic excess, and tech advances, this movement rediscovered forgotten works and performance practices.
Key figures like Dolmetsch, Landowska, and Harnoncourt championed historically informed performances. Their efforts sparked debates on , influenced contemporary composers, and reshaped how we experience today.
Factors and Key Figures in the 20th-Century Baroque Revival
Factors of Baroque music revival
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- Increased musicological research and scholarship
- Rediscovery of Baroque musical scores and treatises expanded knowledge of the era's music (e.g., works by , )
- Greater understanding of Baroque performance practices informed historically accurate interpretations (, )
- Reaction against Romantic-era musical aesthetics
- Desire for clarity, balance, and objectivity in music as a departure from Romantic excesses (e.g., Wagner, Mahler)
- Rejection of emotional excess and subjectivity in favor of Baroque-era ideals (restraint, form)
- Technological advancements
- Improved access to enabled more authentic performances (, )
- Development of recording technologies, enabling wider dissemination of Baroque music (, )
Key figures in Baroque revival
- (1858-1940)
- Early music scholar and performer who championed historically informed performances
- Pioneered the use of historical instruments in performance (recorders, viols)
- (1879-1959)
- Harpsichordist and musicologist who revived interest in the instrument
- Promoted the revival of the harpsichord and Baroque keyboard music (e.g., works by , )
- (1887-1979)
- Composer, conductor, and influential music pedagogue who taught many 20th-century composers
- Encouraged interest in Baroque music and practices
- (1929-2016)
- Conductor and cellist who advocated for period-instrument performances
- Founded the period-instrument ensemble , a leading
- (1928-2012)
- Harpsichordist, organist, and conductor known for his interpretations of Bach
- Collaborated with Harnoncourt and promoted historically informed performance practices
Impact and Evaluation of the Baroque Revival
Impact on contemporary music
- Increased use of period instruments in performances of Baroque music
- Authentic reproduction of Baroque sound and timbre through the use of historical instruments (Baroque violins, oboes)
- Specialized ensembles and orchestras dedicated to historically informed performance (e.g., , )
- Scholarly research and publications on Baroque performance practices
- Treatises on ornamentation, improvisation, and other aspects of Baroque music-making informed performances
- Critical editions of Baroque musical scores provided more accurate source materials (e.g., )
- Influence on contemporary composers
- compositional styles and techniques inspired by Baroque forms and textures (e.g., , )
- Incorporation of Baroque forms and structures in new works (e.g., , )
Authenticity of revival performances
- Debates surrounding the concept of "authenticity" in historical performance
- Impossibility of fully recreating the original context and sound of Baroque music due to changes in instruments, performance spaces, and cultural context
- Subjectivity and interpretation in the realization of Baroque scores, as many details were left to the performer's discretion
- Criticisms of the Baroque revival movement
- Accusations of elitism and exclusivity in the early music community, with a focus on scholarly research over accessibility
- Concerns about the prioritization of historical accuracy over artistic expression and individual interpretation
- Ongoing scholarship and refinement of historically informed performance practices
- Continued research into Baroque performance techniques and aesthetics, leading to evolving interpretations
- Acknowledgment of the limitations and uncertainties in reconstructing historical performances, recognizing the role of informed speculation and artistic choice
Key Terms to Review (33)
Academy of ancient music: The Academy of Ancient Music was a pioneering ensemble founded in the 1970s that aimed to perform Baroque music using historical instruments and authentic performance practices. It played a crucial role in reviving interest in Baroque music and influenced how contemporary musicians approach this repertoire by emphasizing the importance of historical context in performance.
Arnold Dolmetsch: Arnold Dolmetsch was a pioneering figure in the early 20th century known for his efforts in the revival of early music, particularly music from the Baroque period. He was an influential performer, instrument maker, and musicologist who emphasized historical authenticity in performance, playing a key role in shaping how Baroque music was understood and appreciated during the Baroque revival.
Authenticity: Authenticity refers to the quality of being genuine or true to its origins, particularly in music performance and interpretation. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining fidelity to the original style, instruments, and intentions of the composer, which becomes especially relevant in the context of performance practices and the revival movements of earlier musical periods. This concept influences how musicians and scholars approach the interpretation of historical works, aiming for a performance that reflects the original context and aesthetics.
Bach: Johann Sebastian Bach was a German composer and musician of the Baroque period, widely regarded as one of the greatest composers in Western music history. His work embodies the principles of Baroque music, including intricate counterpoint and harmonic richness, which were pivotal during the early German Baroque and influenced later musical developments. Bach's compositions often reflect a deep spiritual devotion, showcasing the blend of artistry and religious expression characteristic of his time.
Bachfest: Bachfest refers to a festival dedicated to the music of Johann Sebastian Bach, celebrating his compositions, performances, and legacy. These festivals often include concerts, lectures, and workshops that promote awareness and appreciation of Bach's work, reflecting the resurgence of interest in Baroque music during the 20th century.
Baroque Music: Baroque music refers to the musical style that emerged in Europe from around 1600 to 1750, characterized by expressive melodies, elaborate ornamentation, and the use of contrast in dynamics and texture. This period is marked by the development of new forms such as opera, oratorio, and concerto, which were instrumental in shaping Western classical music. The emotional intensity and complex compositions of Baroque music laid the groundwork for the future evolution of musical styles.
Baroque Orchestra: The Baroque orchestra refers to the ensemble of musicians and instruments that were used during the Baroque period, roughly from 1600 to 1750, characterized by its distinct instrumentation and structure. This type of orchestra typically included strings, woodwinds, brass, and continuo, with a clear hierarchy among the sections and a focus on both instrumental and vocal music. The evolution of the Baroque orchestra had a lasting impact on orchestral music and its revival in later centuries.
Baroque Violins: Baroque violins are string instruments that were crafted during the Baroque period, approximately from 1600 to 1750, characterized by their unique construction, design features, and tonal qualities. These violins played a crucial role in the evolution of string music, with their design reflecting the aesthetics and performance practices of the time. The revival of interest in Baroque violins in the 20th century highlights their significance not only as historical artifacts but also as instruments that continue to inspire modern performances and interpretations of early music.
Baroque viols: Baroque viols are string instruments that were widely used during the Baroque period, typically characterized by their fretted fingerboards, a flat back, and a softer, warmer sound compared to modern violins. These instruments, which include the viola da gamba, played a crucial role in ensemble music of the time and influenced the evolution of string instrumentation.
Concentus musicus wien: Concentus Musicus Wien is a renowned early music ensemble based in Vienna, founded in 1953 by Nikolaus Harnoncourt. The group is celebrated for its authentic interpretations of Baroque and earlier music, employing period instruments and historically informed performance practices, playing a significant role in the Baroque revival during the 20th century. Their commitment to authenticity and artistry has influenced the way Baroque music is performed and appreciated today.
Concerto grosso: The concerto grosso is a musical composition for a small group of solo instruments accompanied by an orchestra, typically structured in three movements. This form gained popularity during the Baroque period and represents a dialogue between the concertino (the small group) and the ripieno (the larger ensemble), showcasing the contrast between the two forces.
Gustav Leonhardt: Gustav Leonhardt was a renowned Dutch harpsichordist, conductor, and musicologist, known for his pivotal role in the early music revival during the 20th century. His work emphasized historically informed performances of Baroque music, making significant contributions to both the understanding and the appreciation of this repertoire. Leonhardt's commitment to authenticity and stylistic integrity helped shape the performance practices of early music ensembles, influencing a generation of musicians and scholars.
Handel Festival: The Handel Festival is a musical event celebrating the works of the composer George Frideric Handel, particularly known for his operas, oratorios, and instrumental compositions. These festivals have been organized since the early 20th century, reviving interest in Baroque music and showcasing Handel's influence on later composers while also providing a platform for performance and appreciation of his music.
Harpsichords: Harpsichords are stringed keyboard instruments popular in the Baroque period, known for their distinct plucked sound created by quills that pluck the strings when keys are pressed. They played a crucial role in the development of early music and were often used in both solo and ensemble settings, influencing the evolution of keyboard performance techniques.
Historical instruments: Historical instruments refer to the musical instruments that were used during specific periods in the past, particularly from the 17th to the 18th centuries. These instruments are essential for understanding the sound and performance practices of music from these times, and they often differ significantly from modern counterparts in terms of construction, materials, and playing techniques.
Historically informed performance: Historically informed performance refers to a practice in music that aims to recreate the sound and style of music as it would have been performed during the time it was composed, often using period instruments and techniques. This approach emphasizes understanding the historical context, including the performance practices, cultural norms, and interpretative choices that influenced musicians of the past. By focusing on authenticity, historically informed performance seeks to offer audiences a more accurate representation of historical works.
Improvisation: Improvisation in music refers to the spontaneous creation of melodies, harmonies, and rhythms during a performance, rather than playing pre-composed material. This practice is a vital characteristic of Baroque music, where musicians were often expected to embellish and ornament their parts in real time, allowing for personal expression and creativity within the musical framework.
Les arts florissants: Les arts florissants, or 'the flourishing arts', refers to a vibrant cultural movement in France during the late 17th century, characterized by significant advancements in music, theater, and visual arts. This period saw the emergence of Baroque music and theatrical works that emphasized emotional expression and intricate ornamentation, deeply influencing future artistic developments. The term is often associated with the work of composers like Jean-Baptiste Lully and the establishment of the French opera style, reflecting a broader revival of interest in Baroque aesthetics in later centuries.
Lps: LPS, or Long Playing records, are a type of vinyl record that were introduced in the late 1940s and became the standard format for album releases throughout the 20th century. These records typically played at 33 1/3 RPM and allowed for longer playback time compared to earlier formats, enabling artists to present more substantial bodies of work. The rise of LPS played a significant role in the Baroque revival in the 20th century by making previously less accessible compositions and performances available to a broader audience.
Monteverdi: Claudio Monteverdi was an Italian composer who played a crucial role in the transition from the Renaissance to the Baroque period in music. He is best known for his innovations in opera and his ability to blend expressive music with dramatic storytelling, which significantly influenced the development of Baroque music. Monteverdi's work highlights the importance of patronage, cultural exchanges, and has had a lasting impact on music that is still celebrated in modern times.
Nadia Boulanger: Nadia Boulanger was a renowned French composer, conductor, and music teacher, celebrated for her significant influence on 20th-century music. She became one of the first female conductors and a highly respected pedagogue, shaping the careers of numerous prominent composers. Her teaching style emphasized the importance of understanding music's foundations while encouraging individual creativity, linking her legacy to the Baroque revival that emerged during the 20th century as musicians looked back to earlier styles for inspiration.
Neo-baroque: Neo-baroque refers to a revival of Baroque style and aesthetics that emerged in the 20th century, characterized by a renewed interest in elaborate ornamentation, dramatic expression, and complex forms. This movement sought to reconnect with the emotional intensity and grandeur of the original Baroque period while also incorporating contemporary elements. Neo-baroque can be seen across various art forms, including music, architecture, and visual arts, reflecting both historical influences and modern sensibilities.
Neue bach-ausgabe: The neue bach-ausgabe, or 'New Bach Edition,' is a comprehensive scholarly edition of the works of Johann Sebastian Bach that was initiated in the mid-20th century. This edition aimed to provide critical and accurate scores of Bach's music, reflecting the latest musicological research and interpretations. By standardizing Bach's works, it played a significant role in the Baroque revival of the 20th century, allowing musicians and scholars to access and perform his compositions with greater fidelity to the original texts.
Nikolaus Harnoncourt: Nikolaus Harnoncourt was an influential Austrian conductor and cellist known for his pioneering work in the performance of Baroque and Classical music using historically informed practices. His commitment to authenticity reshaped the way audiences and musicians approached this era's music, making him a key figure in the Baroque revival during the 20th century.
Ornamentation: Ornamentation refers to the decorative musical embellishments added to melodies to enhance expressiveness and complexity, commonly utilized in Baroque music. This practice reflects the stylistic features of the Baroque era, where performers were encouraged to interpret and embellish written music, adding richness to the overall sound.
Passacaglia: A passacaglia is a musical form characterized by a repeated bass line or harmonic progression, usually with variations in the upper voices. This form emerged during the Baroque period and often features themes that evolve through counterpoint and ornamentation, making it both structured and expressive. The passacaglia is closely linked to various instrumental compositions, especially for keyboard instruments, and has influenced many later styles, highlighting its significance in both historical and contemporary music.
Period-instrument performance: Period-instrument performance refers to the practice of using instruments that were available during the time a piece of music was composed, in order to recreate the authentic sound and style of that era. This approach emphasizes historical accuracy and often involves specific techniques and interpretations that align with the music's original context. By focusing on these elements, period-instrument performance aims to provide a more genuine listening experience that connects modern audiences to the music of the past.
Radio broadcasts: Radio broadcasts refer to the transmission of audio content through radio waves to reach a wide audience. This medium became increasingly important in the 20th century, especially during the Baroque revival, as it enabled composers and performers to share their interpretations of Baroque music with listeners who might not have access to live performances.
Scarlatti: Domenico Scarlatti was an Italian composer and keyboardist of the Baroque era, renowned for his over 550 keyboard sonatas that showcase his innovative approach to harmony and form. He played a crucial role in the development of the sonata as a genre, influencing not only his contemporaries but also future composers in both Europe and the Americas. His music reflects a blend of Italian and Spanish styles, highlighting cultural exchanges that characterized the Baroque period.
Schnittke's Suite in the Old Style: Schnittke's Suite in the Old Style is a composition that reflects a revival of Baroque musical elements and styles, created by the Russian composer Alfred Schnittke in 1978. The work is characterized by its use of pastiche and quotes from earlier music, presenting a playful yet nostalgic take on Baroque conventions while incorporating modern sensibilities. This piece exemplifies how contemporary composers reinterpreted historical styles, creating a bridge between the past and present in music.
Stravinsky's Pulcinella: Stravinsky's Pulcinella is a ballet composed in 1920, based on music attributed to Giovanni Battista Pergolesi, marking a significant revival of Baroque styles in the 20th century. This work is celebrated for its blend of modern orchestration and classical influences, showcasing Stravinsky's innovative approach to neoclassicism, which sought to reimagine and reinterpret earlier musical traditions while adding a contemporary twist.
Vivaldi: Antonio Vivaldi was an Italian Baroque composer, virtuoso violinist, and priest, widely recognized for his contributions to the development of the concerto form and his influence on instrumental music. His most famous work, 'The Four Seasons,' is a set of violin concertos that illustrate the changing seasons through music, showcasing his ability to merge programmatic elements with intricate compositions.
Wanda Landowska: Wanda Landowska was a renowned Polish harpsichordist and musicologist who played a pivotal role in reviving interest in Baroque music during the early 20th century. She is credited with bringing the harpsichord back into the spotlight, leading performances and teaching that emphasized historical performance practices, which influenced both musicians and audiences alike. Her work helped bridge the gap between the historical context of Baroque music and modern interpretations.