affections, doctrine of

affections, doctrine of
(Uh-FEK-shuns)

[Eng.]

A theory that arose during the Baroque period that prescribed certain musical methods and figures for summoning or portraying individual emotions. For example, happiness would be aroused through the use of faster notes. and major sonorities, sadness through minor keys and slower movement, anger through loudness and harsh discordant harmonies.

SUGGESTED LISTENING EXAMPLES:

Handel: Samson, "Let the Bright Seraphim": W. W. Norton - 4-CD Musical Example Bank -- Disc 2, Track 54
Couperin: Second livre de clavecin, "Les barricades misterieuses": W. W. Norton - 4-CD Musical Example Bank -- Disc 2, Track 60

| Dictionary Home | Dictionary Appendix |