Performance practice

Definition

Performance practice refers to the conventions and techniques employed by musicians during a performance, particularly in terms of interpretation, ornamentation, and improvisation. In the context of Baroque music, performance practice plays a crucial role in how composers' intentions are realized through the interpretation of their scores, allowing for expressive freedoms that align with the stylistic norms of the period.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Performance practice in the Baroque era emphasized the performer's ability to interpret music through improvisation and ornamentation, making each performance unique.
2. Musicians were often expected to embellish melodies with ornaments, which were not always notated in the score, relying on their understanding of style and technique.
3. Improvisation played a vital role during this time, especially for keyboardists and string players who were expected to create harmonies or variations on the spot.
4. Historical research into performance practice helps modern musicians understand how to approach Baroque works authentically, aiming to recreate the sounds of that period.
5. Different regions in Europe had distinct performance practices, leading to varying interpretations of the same piece depending on cultural influences.

Review Questions

• How does performance practice influence the interpretation of Baroque music?
  • Performance practice significantly shapes how Baroque music is interpreted by allowing musicians to incorporate improvisation and ornamentation. This flexibility means that performers can express their individuality while remaining true to the stylistic conventions of the era. By understanding historical practices, musicians can make informed choices that reflect the intentions of composers and enhance the overall expressiveness of their performances.
• Discuss the relationship between figured bass and improvisation in Baroque performance practice.
  • Figured bass served as a foundational tool for improvisation in Baroque music by providing a shorthand notation that indicated chords and harmonies for performers. Keyboardists and continuo players would use these figures as a guide to create harmonic support while also incorporating their own interpretations through improvisation. This relationship highlights the collaborative nature of Baroque performances, where written music was often just a starting point for creative expression.
• Evaluate the impact of historical research on modern approaches to performance practice in Baroque music.
  • Historical research has profoundly impacted how modern musicians approach performance practice in Baroque music by uncovering insights into ornamentation techniques, improvisational styles, and regional variations. This knowledge encourages contemporary performers to adopt more authentic interpretations, aligning closely with how music was actually played during the Baroque period. By integrating these findings into their performances, musicians can bridge the gap between historical intent and modern execution, enriching both their understanding and audience experience.

Related terms

ornamentation:

The addition of decorative notes or musical flourishes to a melody, which were common in Baroque music to enhance expressiveness.

figured bass:

A musical shorthand used in the Baroque period that indicated chords and harmonies for keyboard players and bass instruments, allowing for improvisation.

improvisation: The spontaneous creation of music during performance, which was an essential aspect of Baroque music and often involved embellishing written parts.