Principles of baroque music: Improvisation, ornamentation, polyphony

Abstract

The analysis of mutual dependence of historical compositional, historical interpretative practice and the properties of historical instruments is essential for baroque style revival. The Baroque music epoch is dominated by the neo-Platonic idea of the ability of music to demonstrate harmony in cosmos, human society and nature. The three basic principles of baroque music, improvisation, ornamentation and polyphony, are all rooted in the idea of music harmony, whose 'key' has been hidden in figured (thorough) bass. Reconsideration of the Italian, French and German baroque music reveals various concepts of universal harmony, and different ways of its reflections in music. Baroque music revival reconsiders the ancient question of the role of music in society and the interpreter's power. The true value of historical interpretative practice revival is seen as revitalization of the musician's freedom, creativity and inspiration in the improvisation practice.