Words and Phrases; Vocabulary - Baroque

Virtuoso - A person highly skilled in music

Basso Continuo - Played on a keyboard instrument with other instruments such as a cello or lute the accompanying part includes a bass line and harmonies







Figured Bass - Numbers in the bass line which tell the player intended chords to play
A bass line with intended harmonies indicated by figures ( rather than written out as chords

(Typical of continuo in baroque music)

For diatonic triads:

• root position = blank or 5/3
• 1st Inversion = 6 or 6/3
• 2nd Inversion = 6/4

For 7th chords:

• root position = 7
• 1st Inversion = 6/5
• 2nd Inversion = 4/3
• 3rd Inversion = 4/2

 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Figured_bass

Concertino - a solo instrument or solo instruments playing with an orchestra

Ripieno - a body/group of instruments accompanying the concerto (in Baroque concerto music)

Ritornello form - a short instrumental pause (or interlude) in vocal work
A re inviting passage for an orchestra or chorus. 
The first or final movement may be in this form. The opening theme is played with voices or instruments together and returns in whole or part in different keys throughout the movement. 

Solo Concerto - solo performer playing against a baroque orchestra (Ripieno) which consisted of strings and basso continuo.














Concerto Grosso - small group of soloists (Concertino) playing against a baroque orchestra (Ripieno) which consisted of strings and basso continuo