Baroque Period Vocabulary

3. polyphonic composition based on one main theme
9. another voice that accompanies the subject; has a different melodic idea
10. a short piece that often introduces a fugue
11. when the length of the notes in the subject are shortened
12. have three melodic lines: two high ones and a basso continuo
14. when the length of the notes in the subject are made longer
15. when the subject is turned upside down
16. sudden shift between loud/soft soft/loud
17. a keyboard instrument that could make gradual dynamic changes but only within a narrow range

1. a piece that sounds fairly complete and independent but is part of a larger composition
2. main theme of a fugue
4. consists of a bass part coupled with numbers which specify the chords to be played above it
5. a single tone, usually in the bass, is held while other voices produce a series of changing harmonies against it
6. large scale composition for chorus, vocal soloists, and orchestra; usually set to a narrative or text
7. a composition in several movements for one to eight instruments
8. when the subject is played backwards
13. a hymn tune