MUSIC 140A Lecture Notes - Lecture 15: Gigue, Figured Bass, Twelve Concerti Grossi, Op. 6 (Corelli)
Document Summary
Concerto originally applied to both vocal and instrumental music. Late 17th century: meant purely instrumental work. Most important form of ensemble music in late 17th century. Usually composed for festive services in church. Later expanded to private and amateur orchestras. Most influential composer of late 17th century. Supported by cardinal pamphili, most important patron. Stayed in rome most of his life. Only 6 opuses of his survive, most of them are sonatas and trio sonatas. 12 concerti grossi, for strings, prob his best works. Usually work was created for specific occasion, then quickly forgotten publication was very significant. Two main types of concerti grossi: 4-6 movements, alternating slow and fast movements. Each movement about 2-3 min: 5-6 movements, 2-4 of them have dances that were popular in baroque time: Roman version of concerto grosso = ripieno. Functions as extension and support of concertino. North italian version of concertino acts as extension of ripieno.
