Doctrine of the Affections

Baroque Era is the period between 1600- 1750. The term Baroque came from a Portuguese word which means “a pearl of irregular shape”. Initially, the term was used to refer to the peculiarity, abnormality and lavishness of the art during the era. Later, in the 20th century, Baroque Era came to embrace a broader spectrum by referring not just to art but also to a phase in the music history.

Baroque music is characterized by harmonic complexity and texture, elaborate and forceful music. The music in Baroque is distinctive due mainly for its several major components : a). basso continuo or music that is played by one or more bass instruments and a keyboard instrument, b). the use of the doctrine of affections, c). emphasis of contrasts of volume, texture and pacing, d). emphasis of the vocal and instrumental accompaniment and e). homophonic method which featured great separation of the melody line and accompaniment became widely accepted.

Baroque music represents an interesting and major component of the broad spectrum of the classical music. Musicians, artists and composers study, listen to and imitated the Baroque music even to this day. Popular composers and their major musical works associated with Baroque period are as follows: J.S. Bach’s Fugues, George Friedrich Händel’s Hallelujah Chorus from Messiah, Antonio Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, and Claudio Monteverdi’s Vespers of 1610.

Doctrine of the Affections

The Doctrine of the Affections or the Doctrine of Affects is derived from the German word Affektenlehre. This is as theory in musical aesthetics widely accepted by the Baroque composers in the Baroque era from 1600- 1750.

The idea behind the Doctrine of the Affections is that one “rationalized” Affekt should be the focus of single movement of music and having more would lead to confusion.

Baroque is closely identified with the Doctrine of the Affections. As a matter of fact, the trademark of a baroque music is the passions behind them or the affections. Affections are not to be confused with emotions. “Affections are not the same as emotions, however they are a spiritual movement of the mind” according to Claude V. Palisca, 1991.