sewing-machine music

Noun

sewing-machine music (uncountable)

1. (derogatory) Baroque classical music that is characterized by motoric rhythm and the dense masses of notes.
   • I once had difficulty with my choir's interpretation of a Bach cantata until I described the fugue they were performing as “sewing machine music” and asked them to “chatter” as they sang.1977, Lewis Gordon, Choral Director's Complete Handbook, page 113
   • Tempo and phrasing were utterly predictable in performance, and musicians dismissed even first-class Baroque compositions as “sewing-machine music.” Undesirable precision isn't limited to bad performances of Baroque music.2011, Pedro de Alcantara, Integrated Practice: Coordination, Rhythm, & Sound, page 80