Spread Chords

General Suggestions for Spreads in Baroque Music

To summarise the main points in this article, here are a few pointers: The speed of the spread reflects mood, tempo and character. The spread can be evenly paced, or include accelerando/ritardando shapings. Hold onto the notes of the arpeggio after you have played them, except for any passing notes or graces. Acciaccaturas need to be released immediately. Most spreads in the Baroque should start on the beat. In the slower ones this is more important; the fast the spread, the less noticeable it is whether it comes on or before the beat. Is the spread rhythmically shaped...

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