Question

during the baroque era, all concertos were built around the ______.

ritornello principle
percussion section
demands of the composers patron
harpsichord as soloist

Explanation:

Analyze the core question

The question asks what structural element or idea all Baroque concertos were built around.

Evaluate the options

• ritornello principle: The ritornello principle (alternating between a recurring orchestral theme and solo episodes) is the fundamental structural foundation of the Baroque Concerto and Ritornello Form.
• percussion section: Percussion was rarely used in Baroque concertos.
• demands of the composer's patron: While patrons influenced composition, this is not a musical structural principle.
• harpsichord as soloist: Many Baroque concertos featured other solo instruments, such as the violin, flute, or oboe.

Formulate the explanation

Using the Baroque Concerto and Ritornello Form concepts, we explain that the ritornello principle is the defining structural design of the Baroque concerto, where the full ensemble (tutti) alternates with soloists.

Answer:

• ritornello principle (Correct answer)
• percussion section
• demands of the composer's patron
• harpsichord as soloist