The baroque period consisted between 1600 and 1750; it was an artistic style that encompassed music, painting,

sculpture, architecture and dance. The style was very clear and defined; often in Baroque music there would be a defined melody line without any chordal accompaniment. The style originated in Rome, Italy and quickly spread across Europe, but didnt make such an impact in eastern countries. Baroque orchestra Baroque orchestras are quite small when compared to modern orchestras they consisted of: Woodwinds (Flutes, Oboe, Bassoons) Brass (horns, trumpets) Timpani Harpsichord Strings (Violins Violas Violoncellos Bass Theorbo) There are many recurring themes in baroque music such as the use of ornamentation such as trills and turns; terraced dynamics- these sudden changes in dynamics work well with large contrasts between soft and loud; contrapuntal texture often come up, preludes and fugues often highlight this. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zd_oIFy1mxM J.S.Bach-Toccata e Fuga BWV 565 Scarletti was a Italian composer born in May 1660. Made famous for his operas and chamber cantatas his music was an important link between the baroque and classical periods. Whilst his rhythms were quite conventional he often used the oboes and trumpets frequently, and made the violins often playing in unison.