Music of the Baroque Period (1685 – 1750)

Baroque Period Overview

• Baroque era spans from 1685 to 1750.
• Term "Baroque" derives from "barroco," meaning "pearl of irregular shape" in Portuguese.
• Characterized by grandiose ornamentation in the arts.
• Innovations in instrumental techniques and musical notation emerged.
• Introduction of major and minor tonality became a pivotal development.
• Many musical terms from this era remain in use today.

Characteristics of Baroque Music

• Melodies are elaborate, often ornate, and complex.
• Difficult to sing or memorize due to their intricate nature.
• Predominantly contrapuntal textures, with some instances of homophony.
• Dynamic contrast is notable, featuring alternation between loud and soft passages.
• Orchestra typically includes string instruments and continuo.
• Commonly used keyboard instruments are the harpsichord and organ.

Musical Genres of Baroque Music

• Concerto: Orchestral form highlighting a solo instrument accompanied by orchestra.
• Concerto Grosso: Features interplay between a small group of solo instruments (concertino) and the full orchestra (tutti).
• Fugue: A contrapuntal composition utilizing imitative counterpoint, commonly structured in 3 or 4 parts around a central theme called the "subject."
• Oratorio: Large-scale orchestral and vocal works focusing on religious narratives, performed without costumes or action, typically in the audience's native language.
• Chorale: Harmonic settings of hymns from the Protestant Church during this period.

Famous Composers of the Baroque Period

• Johann Sebastian Bach (Germany, 1685-1750)

  • Renowned for his soprano voice, leading to admission at a school in Lüneburg.
  • Focused on violin and harpsichord, serving as "cantor" at St. Thomas Church.
  • Key works include Brandenburg Concertos, Mass in B minor, Cantatas, and Toccata and Fugue in D minor.

• Antonio Vivaldi (Venice, 1678-1741)

  • Known as "il Prete Rosso" due to his red hair.
  • A Catholic priest, composer, and virtuoso violinist celebrated for his instrumental concertos, notably for the violin.
  • Famous for "The Four Seasons," a set of four violin concertos representing different seasonal themes.

• George Friedrich Händel (Germany, 1685 - London, 1759)

  • Began playing the organ at age 7 and gained fame for operas and oratorios.
  • Became a favored composer in England and continued to compose even after losing his sight in 1753.
  • "Messiah" is his most notable work, featuring the famous "Hallelujah Chorus," composed in just 24 days, premiering in Dublin.

Explore the fascinating characteristics of Baroque music, a period rich in elaborate ornamentation and instrumental innovation. Discover how major and minor tonality were established and how many musical concepts that arose during this time continue to influence music today.