15.3 Contemporary approaches to performing Baroque music
3 min read•july 18, 2024
Baroque performance has evolved from early revival efforts to a vibrant field of study and practice. Historical approaches use period instruments and techniques, aiming for authenticity. Modern interpretations balance historical knowledge with contemporary tastes and technologies.
Today, Baroque music thrives through diverse approaches. Period instruments, historically informed practices, and modern technologies coexist. This blend of old and new brings Baroque music to life for contemporary audiences, balancing authenticity with accessibility.
Historical and Modern Approaches to Baroque Performance
Development of historically informed practice
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- Early music revival in late 19th and early 20th centuries sparked renewed interest in Baroque composers (Bach, Handel) and their works
- Pioneers such as Arnold Dolmetsch and Wanda Landowska championed the use of period instruments and performance techniques
- "Authenticity" movement emerged in 1960s and 1970s emphasizing historical accuracy in performance through use of period instruments and techniques
- Musicological research rediscovered treatises, manuscripts, and historical sources providing insights into Baroque performance practices, , and
- Specialized ensembles (, ) and training programs () established to focus on historically informed Baroque performance
Modern vs historical Baroque approaches
- Modern approach uses modern instruments, playing techniques, and emphasizes technical precision, large ensembles, and standardized interpretation influenced by Romantic and post-Romantic aesthetics
- Historical approach uses period instruments or replicas, smaller ensembles often one-on-a-part, and focuses on historical performance practices such as improvisation and ornamentation to achieve a lighter, more transparent sound
- Modern approach uses standardized pitch (A=440 Hz) and equal temperament while historical approach uses lower pitch (A=415 Hz) and unequal temperaments (meantone)
- Modern approach often uses written-out continuo realizations or omits continuo altogether while historical approach emphasizes improvisation and the role of the continuo player
Contemporary Baroque Performance Practice
Period instruments in contemporary performances
- Strings have gut strings, shorter necks, lighter bows, and lower bridges
- Woodwinds have simpler key systems, different bore sizes, and materials
- Brass instruments are natural trumpets and horns without valves
- Keyboards include , organ, and fortepiano
- String playing techniques involve limited vibrato, shorter bow strokes, and use of open strings
- Woodwind playing techniques involve softer articulation, simpler fingerings, and breath control
- Brass playing techniques include clarino playing, hand-stopping, and lip-trilling
- Vocal techniques involve lighter, more speech-like delivery and ornamentation
- Historically informed tuning uses unequal temperaments for keyboards and fretted instruments and tunes to a lower pitch standard (A=415 Hz)
- Continuo group includes harpsichord, organ, lute, theorbo, and baroque guitar providing improvised realizations based on figured bass
Historical authenticity vs modern interpretation
- Approaches range from strict adherence to historical evidence to personal artistic expression, recreating the past vs reinterpreting Baroque music for contemporary audiences
- Limitations exist in our knowledge of Baroque performance practices and challenges arise in reconstructing the original context and sound world
- Modern musical tastes, expectations, and adaptation to contemporary concert settings and recording technologies influence performances
- Artistic agency and interpretation involve balancing historical information with individual musical judgment to create compelling and engaging performances for today's listeners
Technology's impact on Baroque accessibility
- Recordings and online platforms have increased availability of Baroque music in various interpretations through streaming services and digital downloads
- Social media and online communities connect Baroque music enthusiasts and performers worldwide to facilitate discussions, share resources, and promote events
- Digital editions and resources provide online access to scholarly editions, facsimiles, and historical treatises and enable collaborative projects for cataloging and studying Baroque music sources
- Virtual performances and education allow live-streamed concerts and masterclasses to reach global audiences and provide online courses and tutorials on Baroque performance practice and interpretation
- Technological advancements in instrument making such as 3D printing and computer-aided design create period instrument replicas while improved materials and manufacturing techniques enable greater historical accuracy
Key Terms to Review (23)
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.
Affect: Affect refers to the emotional response or expression that music evokes in the listener, playing a crucial role in how compositions communicate feelings and ideas. In music from the Baroque era, this concept is central, as composers aimed to convey specific emotions through their works, using techniques such as contrast, ornamentation, and expressive melodies. Affect became a key aspect of musical storytelling, influencing performance practices and theoretical discussions in later works.
Authentic performance: Authentic performance refers to a practice in music that aims to recreate the sound and style of a specific historical period, particularly focusing on the intentions and techniques of the original composers and performers. This approach often includes using period instruments, applying historically informed techniques, and embracing the cultural context of the music being performed to achieve a sound that is true to its original form.
Chamber ensemble: A chamber ensemble is a small group of musicians performing together, typically with one player per part, allowing for a more intimate and nuanced musical experience compared to larger orchestral settings. These ensembles often focus on the performance of chamber music, which is composed specifically for this format and highlights individual expression and collaboration among players.
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.
Counterpoint: Counterpoint is a musical technique that involves the simultaneous combination of two or more independent melodies to create a harmonious texture. It is a fundamental aspect of Western music, especially prominent in the Baroque period, where it enhances the complexity and expressiveness of compositions.
Courtly Music: Courtly music refers to the style of music that was composed and performed in the royal courts of Europe during the late Renaissance and early Baroque periods. It is characterized by its refinement, elaborate ornamentation, and often reflects the cultural and social aspirations of the aristocracy. This music often served ceremonial purposes and was integral to the lavish entertainment that defined court life.
Early baroque: Early baroque refers to the initial phase of the Baroque period in music, which roughly spans from the late 16th century to the mid-17th century. This era is characterized by a shift towards emotional expression, the use of contrast in dynamics and textures, and the development of new forms such as opera and the concerto. It set the stage for later developments in the Baroque style, emphasizing individual expression and dramatic storytelling in music.
Fugue: A fugue is a complex musical form that features a theme, called the subject, which is introduced by one voice and then imitated by other voices in succession. This form showcases intricate counterpoint, where melodies interweave and develop, creating a rich and textured sound typical of the Baroque period.
George Frideric Handel: George Frideric Handel was a German-born composer who became a key figure in the Baroque music scene, known for his operas, oratorios, and instrumental compositions. His unique blend of German, Italian, and English musical styles helped shape the development of music during the Baroque period and beyond.
Harpsichord: The harpsichord is a keyboard instrument that produces sound by plucking strings when keys are pressed, rather than striking them as in a piano. It played a central role in Baroque music, providing a distinct timbre and allowing for expressive performance, particularly in the context of figured bass and basso continuo.
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.
Intonation: Intonation refers to the accuracy of pitch in music performance, which is crucial for achieving harmony and expressive qualities. In the context of performing Baroque music, intonation becomes particularly significant due to the varying tuning systems and the inherent expressiveness expected during this period. Musicians must navigate historical practices and contemporary interpretations to ensure their pitch aligns with the stylistic intentions of the era.
Johann Sebastian Bach: Johann Sebastian Bach was a German composer and musician of the Baroque period, renowned for his intricate compositions and mastery of various musical forms. His work exemplifies the complexity and emotional depth characteristic of Baroque music while also laying the groundwork for future musical developments.
Juilliard Historical Performance: Juilliard Historical Performance refers to a specialized program at The Juilliard School focused on the study and performance of music from earlier periods, particularly the Baroque, Classical, and Romantic eras. This program emphasizes authentic performance practices, using period instruments and techniques to bring historical music to life in a way that aligns with the intentions of the original composers.
Late baroque: The late baroque period, spanning approximately from 1680 to 1750, is characterized by the culmination of the stylistic developments of the baroque era. It is marked by emotional expressiveness, elaborate ornamentation, and a heightened sense of drama in music, often reflecting the influences of the cultural and social changes of the time. This period saw the rise of new forms and genres, including opera and concerto, as well as significant advancements in instrumental music.
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.
Orchestra: An orchestra is a large instrumental ensemble that combines various sections of instruments, typically including strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion. Orchestras are crucial in many musical styles and forms, providing a rich sound palette and supporting the performance of soloists and composers. Throughout history, the development of orchestras has significantly influenced both composition and performance practices.
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.
The art of playing the harpsichord: The art of playing the harpsichord involves mastering a keyboard instrument known for its distinctive plucked sound, which was predominant during the Baroque period. This technique encompasses a deep understanding of ornamentation, proper finger placement, and expressive phrasing to convey the music's emotional depth. The way performers approach this instrument has evolved over time, reflecting both historical practices and contemporary interpretations of Baroque music.
Treatise on Harmony: A treatise on harmony is a written work that explores the principles of musical harmony, outlining rules for chord progressions, voice leading, and the relationships between chords. Such treatises were essential in establishing the theoretical framework for Western music and played a significant role in shaping performance practices, especially in Baroque music. These documents often serve as guides for musicians and composers, detailing how to create harmonious textures and explore the emotional depth of music.
Trumpet: The trumpet is a brass musical instrument with a flared bell and a cylindrical tube, known for its bright and powerful sound. It played a vital role in both military and ceremonial music during the Baroque period, while also evolving in style and technique as music transitioned from the Renaissance to the Baroque era. This transition marked the trumpet's shift from primarily a signaling device to an essential component of orchestral and chamber music.