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
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 keyAIR on the G stringToccata and Fugue in D minor
George Frederic Handel
1685-1759
*Composed for the King of England
•Messiah –Hallelujah Chorus•Water Music
Antonio Vivaldi1678-1741
*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 Couperin1668-1733
Henry Purcell1659-1695
Georg Philipp Telemann1681-1767
Baroque Instruments
Horn
Viola
Cello
Harpsichords & Claviers
Pipe Organ
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.
HOW MUSIC CHANGED?
The Patronage System Rich patrons/church officials would hire
composers to create music for special events or occasions
ADVANTAGES
•Composers paid•Music career •Lots of music
created
DISADVANTAGES
•Limited creativity or freedom
•Mass production of music
•Limited by patron