Harmonic Foundation:
Tonality defined the harmonic framework within which Baroque composers worked. The tonic (key note) acted as the central point of reference, providing stability and resolution for musical progressions. Each chord used in a piece related back to the tonic, creando una sensación de cohesión y estructura armónica.
Cadences and Resolution:
The establishment of a clear tonality allowed for the use of cadences, musical phrases that provide a sense of resolution or closure. Cadences were essential in delineating sections within a composition and creating moments of anticipation and satisfaction for the listener.
Affections and Expression:
Composers during the Baroque era aimed to evoke specific emotions and create musical narratives through their works. Major tonalities were often associated with positive, celebratory, or uplifting emotions, while minor tonalities conveyed a sense of sadness, reflectiveness, or melancholy. Establishing a clear tonality helped composers effectively communicate these "affects" or emotions to the audience.
Influence on Form:
The concept of tonality influenced Baroque musical forms, including binary and ternary forms. Each section or movement within a composition was based on the established tonality, creating a balanced and coherent structure.
Relationship with Counterpoint:
Baroque music often featured intricate counterpoint, with independent melodic lines woven together. Establishing a clear tonality provided a unifying element, allowing these lines to relate harmonically and contribute to the overall coherence of the music.
Chromaticism and Ornamentation:
The establishment of a clear tonality also allowed for the judicious use of chromaticism (the introduction of notes foreign to the key) and ornamentation. These embellishments introduced tension and added expressive depth, but were always anchored within the framework of the established tonality.
Transitional Periods:
During the transition from the Renaissance to the Baroque, and later from the Baroque to the Classical era, the concept of tonality evolved and became increasingly refined. Establishing a clear major or minor tonality was not only foundational to the Baroque musical style but also paved the way for further advancements in tonal music in subsequent periods.
Overall, establishing a clear major or minor tonality in Baroque music was essential in organizing and structuring musical compositions, conveying emotional expression, and providing a framework for harmonic exploration. It played a crucial role in defining the characteristic sound, coherence, and emotional impact of Baroque music.