Baroque era – a highly ornate & extravagant style of architecture, art & music in Europe. Derived from the Portuguese word barroco or an oddly shaped pearl.
1600-1750 composers like Bach, Vivaldi, Monteverdi & Handel pioneered new styles like concertos, operas, cantatas, suites & sonatas. Piano was introduced as a beautiful instrument. Loosening of the Church’s control meant non-religious music could flourish. An idea that instruments could be grouped together in a standard way, created the 1st versions of a modern orchestra. Contrast (loud & soft tones) as a dramatic element was introduced in compositions. The concept of melody & harmony emerged beautifully.
Baroque era is known as the age of the thorough bass. Two great composers of concertos were Corelli & Vivaldi. Opera composers devised ways of illustrating emotions & moods in their music. Rameau, Handel & Purcell produced great musical works. Bach, the greatest genius in the history of music demonstrated a standard approach to harmony that dominated music till the 19th century. Incredible, ever-lasting music.
