The Baroque period, spanning roughly from 1600 to 1750, was a time of immense innovation and artistic expression in music. For performers seeking to authentically interpret the works of composers like Bach, Handel, and Vivaldi, understanding the nuances of this era is crucial. This guide provides insights into resources and techniques essential for any musician tackling a performer’s guide to music of the baroque period.
Navigating the Baroque Landscape: Essential Resources
Finding reliable resources is the first step toward mastering Baroque performance practice. Several authoritative texts offer invaluable guidance:
-
“Versuch einer gründlichen Violinschule” by Leopold Mozart: While technically from the Classical period, this violin treatise provides insights into late Baroque performance practices. It’s available in both facsimile and modern translations, making it accessible to contemporary players. Mozart’s insights provide valuable information about technique, ornamentation and musical taste of the era.
-
Works by Nikolaus Harnoncourt: Harnoncourt’s writings, though not violin-specific, offer comprehensive analyses of Baroque musicianship, including trills, flourishes, and overall style. His work distills information from primary sources like Quantz’s flute method and C.P.E. Bach’s treatise on keyboard playing.
-
“Music in the Baroque Era” by Manfred Bukofzer: Despite its age, this book remains a seminal work of scholarship, providing a broad overview of Baroque music history, styles, and forms. It’s a foundational text for understanding the context in which Baroque music was created.
-
“A Performer’s Guide to Music of the Baroque Period” published by The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM): This guide offers practical advice on various aspects of Baroque performance, including notation, interpretation, and string techniques. The included CD provides valuable audio examples. The book also features insights from Peter Holman on Notation and Interpretation and Andrew Manze on strings.
Violin-Specific Guides for the Baroque Performer
For violinists specifically seeking to delve into Baroque performance practice, the following resources are highly recommended:
-
“Baroque String Playing for Ingenious Learners” by Judy Tarling: This book provides a practical approach to Baroque string techniques, focusing on historical methods and stylistic considerations.
-
“Before the Chinrest” by Stanley Ritchie: Ritchie’s work explores violin playing techniques that predate the use of the chinrest, offering insights into posture, bow hold, and sound production in the Baroque era. This focuses on understanding how violinists played before the modern chinrest became standard, impacting technique and sound.
-
“Bach’s Solo Violin Works” by Jaap Schröder: This book focuses on Bach’s solo violin repertoire and discusses general Baroque style considerations relevant to all instrumentalists. Schröder’s analysis offers context for interpreting Bach and other composers of the period.
Key Considerations for Baroque Performance
Beyond specific resources, certain key elements define authentic Baroque performance:
-
Bowing Techniques: Research historical bowing techniques, which differ significantly from modern approaches. Experiment with lighter bows and different bow holds to achieve appropriate articulation and phrasing.
-
Ornamentation: Understand the conventions of Baroque ornamentation, including trills, mordents, and appoggiaturas. Learn how to execute these ornaments stylistically and appropriately within the musical context.
-
Temperament: Be aware of the various tuning systems (temperaments) used in the Baroque era, and how they affect the sound and character of the music. Consider using historical temperaments when performing Baroque works.
-
Historical Context: Immerse yourself in the history, culture, and aesthetic ideals of the Baroque period. Understanding the context in which the music was created will inform your interpretation and performance.
Embracing the Baroque Spirit
Approaching Baroque music with a dedication to historical understanding and informed performance practice can unlock the beauty and expressive power of this era. By exploring the resources mentioned above and diligently practicing the techniques involved, performers can bring authenticity and vitality to their interpretations of Baroque masterpieces. Ultimately, a performer’s guide to music of the baroque period should aim to deepen the connection between the performer, the music, and the audience.
