The Baroque Era
1600-1750
What was going on in the
world?

1610 - Galileo confirms the Earth is round

1643-1715 - Louis XIV ruled France (The
Sun King)

1687 - Sir Isaac Newton publishes his Laws
of Universal Gravitation
Characteristics of Baroque
Music
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Use of dynamics, textures and imitation
Use of trills and embellishments
Improvisation
Vocal and Instrumental Music of equal
importance
Use of the harpsichord and strings
Rise of the form of Opera
Baroque
Composers
Johann
Sebastian Bach
1685-1750
*church organist
*known for his attention to
detail
*master of the fugue
*had 20 children
*music became popular after his
death
*fugue in every Maj and Min
key
AIR on the G string
Toccata and Fugue in D minor
George Frederic Handel
1685-1759
*Composed for the King of
England
•Messiah –Hallelujah Chorus
•Water Music
Antonio Vivaldi
1678-1741
*originally wanted to be a
priest
*known as the Red priest
because of his red hair
*violin virtuoso (expert)
*taught violin lessons at a
girl’s orphanage
Four Seasons –Spring
-Winter
Domenico Scarlatti 1685-1757
Francois Couperin
1668-1733
Henry Purcell
1659-1695
Georg Philipp
Telemann
1681-1767
Baroque Instruments
Horn
Viola
Cello
Harpsichords & Claviers
Pipe Organ
HOW MUSIC CHANGED?
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Composers used mixed groups of
instruments to perform works of great
complexity.
Music was no longer only functional, it was
made to be enjoyed as it’s own entity.
Composers began to search for inspiration
for their compositions in not only the church,
but in nature.
Baroque music is very similar to jazz in it’s
use of improvisation and figured bass.
The Patronage System

Rich patrons/church officials would hire
composers to create music for special
events or occasions
ADVANTAGES
DISADVANTAGES
•Composers paid
•Music career
•Lots of music
created
•Limited creativity or
freedom
•Mass production of
music
•Limited by patron