Homepage > Musical Styles and Theory > Seconda Pratica

This site introduces unknown Emanuel Bach (C. P. E. Bach).

Seconda Pratica

ChatGPT4o was asked: “Please explain the Seconda Pratica in more detail.”

The **Seconda Pratica** refers to a musical style that developed from the late 16th to early 17th century, presenting a new approach contrasting the Renaissance style known as the *Prima Pratica*. This style emphasized emotional expression and dramatic effects, greatly influencing the development of Baroque music.

Prima Pratica

• Overview: The *Prima Pratica* refers to the Renaissance musical style, focusing on polyphony (multi-voiced music) and strict counterpoint. Composers like Josquin des Prez and Palestrina are representative of this style.
• Characteristics:
  • Strict Counterpoint Rules: Independent melodies intricately intertwine, adhering to strict counterpoint regulations.
  • Emphasis on Harmony: Harmony naturally emerges, prioritizing balance between melodic lines.
  • Clarity of Text: The music is structured to ensure that the lyrics are clearly conveyed.

Seconda Pratica

• Overview: The *Seconda Pratica* departed from the rigid rules of counterpoint in the *Prima Pratica*, pursuing freer and more expressive music. This term was mainly advocated by Claudio Monteverdi.
• Characteristics:
  • Focus on Emotional Expression: Music is used more freely to emphasize the emotions and dramatic content of the text. Dissonances and clashes are used effectively.
  • Role of Harmony: Harmony becomes an important expressive tool rather than being subordinate to melody, creating tension and resolution.
  • Textural Variation: The development of monody (single melody with accompaniment) and accompanied arias laid the foundation for opera and cantatas.
  • Relaxed Counterpoint Rules: Traditional counterpoint restrictions were eased to prioritize emotional expression and dramatic effects.

Monteverdiʼs Role

Claudio Monteverdi was a representative composer of the *Seconda Pratica* and is known for putting its principles into practice. His main contributions include:

1. *LʼOrfeo* (1607):

   • One of the earliest operas, utilizing monody and accompanied arias to musically express dramatic storytelling.

2. *Quarto libro de madrigali* (1605):

   • In this madrigal collection, Monteverdi clearly demonstrated the principles of *Seconda Pratica*, promoting emotional expression and the use of dissonance.

3. *Lettere amorose* (1619):

   • This collection further developed the aria and monodic style, emphasizing emotional expression.

Musical Theory Controversy

Monteverdi engaged in a famous controversy with traditional theorists supporting the *Prima Pratica*, notably Giovanni Maria Artusi. Artusi criticized Monteverdi’s liberal use of dissonance, while Monteverdi argued that such techniques were necessary for emotional and dramatic expression.

Summary

The *Seconda Pratica* is a new musical style emphasizing emotional expression and dramatic effect, significantly influencing the development of Baroque music. Claudio Monteverdi, as its leading composer, pioneered new expressive possibilities through free harmony and counterpoint. This style laid the foundation for later Baroque music and opera, holding an important place in music history.

ChatGPT4o was asked: “What aspects of Monteverdi’s new compositional techniques did Giovanni Maria Artusi oppose?”

**Giovanni Maria Artusi** was a music theorist from the late 16th to early 17th century who strongly criticized Claudio Monteverdiʼs *Seconda Pratica*. His criticisms focused on the following points:

1. Use of Dissonance

Artusi’s main criticism was Monteverdi’s free and often rule-breaking use of dissonance. In the traditional *Prima Pratica*, dissonance was carefully prepared and resolved according to strict rules.

• Artusiʼs View: Dissonance should follow counterpoint rules to maintain harmonic stability.
• Monteverdiʼs Approach: Dissonance was used freely to emphasize emotional and dramatic effects, unconstrained by traditional rules.

2. Emotional Expression and Text Treatment

Monteverdi prioritized expressing the emotions and drama of the text through music, often using abrupt musical shifts and dissonance.

• Artusiʼs View: Music should convey the text within the strict rules of counterpoint and harmony.
• Monteverdiʼs Approach: Music should adapt freely to emphasize the emotional content of the text, even if it breaks traditional rules.

3. Strictness of Counterpoint

Artusi valued the Renaissance tradition of counterpoint, focusing on harmonious interaction between independent melodies. Monteverdi, however, prioritized harmonic progression and emotional expression over melodic independence.

• Artusiʼs View: Traditional counterpoint rules must be strictly followed to ensure melodic harmony.
• Monteverdiʼs Approach: Counterpoint rules were relaxed to allow more expressive and dramatic music.

Outcome of the Controversy

The dispute between Artusi and Monteverdi highlighted the evolution of musical theory and the importance of new expressive techniques. Monteverdi’s innovations ultimately had a significant impact on the development of Baroque music.

ChatGPT4o was asked: “Did the Seconda Pratica influence composers like Bach?”

The *Seconda Pratica*, centered around Claudio Monteverdi, greatly influenced Baroque music with its emphasis on emotional expression and dramatic effects. This style indirectly impacted composers like **Johann Sebastian Bach (J.S. Bach)**.

Characteristics of Seconda Pratica

• Emphasis on Emotion: Free use of dissonance and harmonic progressions to express emotions.
• Pursuit of Drama: Use of musical techniques to enhance dramatic shifts and emotional depth.
• Freedom from Rules: A move beyond strict counterpoint for expressive purposes.

Influence on Bach

1. Emphasis on Emotional Expression:

   • Bach used dissonance and chromaticism to emphasize textual emotion in works like his *Passions* and cantatas.
   • Example: The *St. Matthew Passion* uses dissonance to depict Christ’s suffering.

2. Innovative Harmonic Progression:

   • Bach’s harmonic progressions were often bold and dramatic, reflecting the influence of *Seconda Pratica*.
   • Example: The *Goldberg Variations* and *The Art of Fugue* showcase complex harmonic exploration.

3. Operatic Elements:

   • Although Bach did not write operas, his cantatas and passions contain operatic drama, reflecting *Seconda Pratica* ideals.
   • Example: The arias and choruses in the *St. John Passion* are highly dramatic.

Conclusion

The *Seconda Pratica* influenced Baroque music broadly, indirectly affecting Bach. His expressive use of dissonance, harmonic innovation, and dramatic expression align with the spirit of *Seconda Pratica*.

Site search by Google

Parents

< Musical Styles and Theory
< Monteverdi