Baroque and Classical Music Forms: Sonata, Suite, and Concerto Grosso

Baroque Instrumental Forms and Structures

A) Comparing the Suite and the Sonata Concerto

Both the Suite and the Sonata Concerto are Baroque instrumental forms and usually feature a basso continuo.

B) Instrumental Combinations for Baroque Sonatas

Sonatas were composed for various instrumental combinations, including:

• Solo Sonatas: For a single instrument (e.g., keyboard, harpsichord, violin, cello).
• Duet Sonatas: For one soloist with basso continuo.
• Trio Sonatas: For two soloists with basso continuo.

C) Types of Baroque Sonatas

Based on structure, two main types of sonata were developed in the Baroque era:

Sonata da camera (Chamber Sonata)

Composed of dance-rate movements. This form derived into the Suite.

Sonata da chiesa (Church Sonata)

Typically featured four movements (Slow–Fast–Slow–Fast). This structure eventually led to the Classical Symphony.

D) Defining the Suite and its Dances

The Suite combines movements with contrasting dance rhythms (dance and non-dance movements). Not all movements are necessarily in the same key. The core dances mentioned are: Allemande, Courante, and Sarabande, which often alternate LRLR (Slow/Fast/Slow/Fast). Its origin lies in French ballets.

E) The Concerto Grosso and its Types

The term Concerto refers to a work written for orchestra, often featuring soloists.

Concerto Grosso

Consists of two instrumental groups: the concertino (a small group of soloists, e.g., violin) and the ripieno (the full orchestra).

Solo Concerto

Consists of a single instrumental soloist accompanied by the orchestra.

The Pre-Classical Transition

What is Pre-Classicism?

Pre-Classicism is the period of transition between the Baroque and Classical eras. It involves composers and styles that blend the old and the new until the definitive Classical style is fully established.

Characteristics of the Classical Style

• The Basso Continuo disappears.
• The rhythm becomes more flexible, soft, and natural.
• Melodies are symmetrical, typically structured in 4 or 8 bar phrases.
• Fixed instrumental groups (the standard orchestra) are established.

The Classical Sonata Form

Definition and Structure

Sonata form (or first-movement form) is a musical structure typically used in the first movement of a sonata, symphony, or concerto. It is divided into three main sections:

1. Exposition

   Usually contains two distinct melodies (themes). The first theme is in the tonic key, and the second theme is presented in a contrasting key (often the dominant or relative major).

2. Development

   The composer transforms the themes according to their imagination and creativity, often using fragments, modulating through various keys, or intertwining both themes.

3. Recapitulation (Re-exposition)

   A return to the material of the exposition. Crucially, the second theme is now presented in the same key as the first theme (the tonic).