A Comparison of Baroque, Classical and Romantic and 20th century Styles

Baroque Classical Romantic 20th CenturyMelody Continuous melody with

wide leapsChromatic tones for emotional effect

Symmetrical Melody in balanced phrases and cadencesTunefulWith narrow leaps

Expansive, singing melodiesWide rangingMore variedWith chromatic inflections

Rhythm Single rhythm predominant:Steady, energetic pulse, freer in vocal music

Clear rhythmicallyWith regular recurring accentsDance rhythms favored

Rhythmic diversity and elasticityTempo Rubato

Harmony Chromatic harmony for expressive effect: major-minor system established with brief excursions to other keys

Diatonic harmony favoredTonic-dominant relationships expanded

Increasing chromaticismExpanded concepts of tonality

Texture Monodic texture(early Baroque)Polyphonic texture(late baroque)Linear-horizontal dimensions

Homophonic texturesHorizontal perspective

Homophony, turning to increased polyphony in later years of era

Instrumental Genres

Trio Sonata, concerto grosso, suite, prelude, fugue, chaconne, passacaglia

Symphony, solo concerto,Solo sonata, string quartet

Same large genres, adding one movement symphonic poems,Solo piano works

Vocal Genres Opera, Mass, Oratorio, Cantata

Opera, Mass, Solo Songs Same vocal forms, adding works for solo voice and piano/orchestra

Form Binary and Ternary forms Ternary form predominant, Expansion of forms and interest in

predominant Sonata-allegro form developedAbsolute forms preferred

continuous as well as miniature programme form

Audience Secular music predominantAristocratic audience

Secular music predominantMiddle-class audience

Dynamics Subtle dynamic nuances: forte/piano contrasts, echo effects

Continuous changing dynamics through crescendo and decrescendo

Widely ranging dynamics for expressive purposes

Timbre Continuous tone color throughout one movement

Changing Tone Colors between sections of works

Continual change and blend of tone colorsExperiments with new instruments and unusual ranges

Performing Forces

String orchestra, with added woodwinds,Organ and harpsichord in use

String Orchestra with woodwinds and some brass30-40 member orchestrarise of piano to prominence

Introduction of new instruments (tuba, English Horn, valved brass, harp, piccolo)Much larger orchestrasPiano predominant as solo instrument

Virtuosity(Improvisation)

Improvisation expected: harmonies realized from figured bass

Improvisation largely limited to cadenzas in concertos

Increased virtuosityComposers specified more in scores

Expression(Emotion)

Single affection, emotional exuberance and theatricality

Emotional restraint and balance Emotions, mood, atmosphere emphasizedInterest in bizarre and macabre