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Baroque Period
1600-1750The Baroque era was characterized by ornate, dramatic, and emotionally intense music. It saw the rise of opera, the development of the concerto, and the establishment of major-minor tonality, moving away from modes.
Musical Characteristics
- Emphasis on basso continuo (figured bass)
- Development of major-minor tonality
- Rise of monody and opera
- Use of terraced dynamics (sudden shifts)
- Doctrine of Affections (music expressing specific emotions)
- Ornate and highly decorated melodic lines
- Counterpoint and fugue are prominent
Key Composers
Johann Sebastian Bach
1685-1750
Master of counterpoint and sacred music
George Frideric Handel
1685-1759
Known for oratorios and operas
Antonio Vivaldi
1678-1741
Prolific composer of concertos
Henry Purcell
c.1659-1695
Leading English Baroque composer
Important Musical Forms
Concerto (Concerto Grosso, Solo Concerto)FugueOratorioOperaCantataSonataSuiteToccataPrelude
Common Instruments
HarpsichordOrganLuteViolin family (Violin, Viola, Cello)OboeBassoonTrumpetTimpani