this is the fourth post.this may not be close to the last post of the baroque period.there could be 10-15 posts in total for the baroque period.I have no idea.there are several other periods after this which will be interesting as well.Hope you enjoy this post!
so from the last post, we talked about the late of the baroque period, where many elements of the early part of the baroque period were removed and replaced with newer, simpler concepts.Now lets continue.So now we are going to talk about a sacred piece.which is Monteverdi’s Vespers.Well as you can imagine, its called Monteverdi’s Vesper as it is a piece thats played in early evenings.The pieces got the name because of this.”Vesper” means evening.This piece is an important piece because it marks the transition from the polyphonic style of music(polyphonic-many voices) also known as prima practica(first practice) to a more freer style.
Cremona Cathedral is where Claudio Monteverdi studied composition by the choir master Marc’Antonio Ingegneri. Now the next part came know as the second practica(second practice)which emphasises on there being a solo voice. There was more melody added to multiple aspects like the bass line being more melodic.
Because of these changes, it led to new characteristics of the baroque period, as to much irregularity and expressions was added, making it interfere the smooth flow of the music, compelling the listeners.Sounds weird,but personally I would hate it.The flow of music being mixed up just does not seem right.
In vocal music, the melody was used to express thoughts, feelings, actions, and sometimes for reactions of characters.Since characters were being emphasised on in this period, the development of an accompanied sonata came(including the trio sonata-basically 2 violins and one cello).
Monteverdi’s Vespers was an important piece, showcasing both the prima practica and the seconda practica.
Citations:source 1-The classical music book