Dates of the Baroque Period

- Started around 1600 to 1750

- The Baroque period was preceded by the Renaissance and followed by the Classical
period.

Does this relate to other art forms?

- This does relate to a genre of visual art known as the Baroque art.
- Baroque art involved exuberant contrast and dramatic atmosphere, which
additionally is stylized by exaggerated motion and clear detail. This was often
used to produce drama, and grandeur in sculptures, paintings, architecture, and
literature.
- The introduction to the Baroque art and music styles began at the same time as the
Reformation began.
- The Reformation was a movement within western Christianity that happened during the
16th century that challenged political and religious views (to reform the Roman Catholic
Church).
- The Reformation indirectly caused the dramatic shift in musical style from religious music
to overly dramatic music with big contrasting styles.

What are the key features of music of this time?

- Dramatic contrast in dynamics
- Baroque music standardized the idea of tonality, basically focusing on a single tone in
the piece.
- Very little use of diminuendos and crescendos, as the harpsichord and other instruments
were unable these.
- Continuous rhythmic drive. This is especially prevalent in Concerto Grosso, which is
played by the basso continuo, which gives the piece harmony and movement.
- Prominent composers during the Baroque period are Vivaldi, Handel, and J.S. Bach.
- All pieces during this period had a balance of homophony and polyphony.
- There are also programmed songs, mainly composed by Vivaldi, which are pieces that
tell stories. A famous example of this is Vivaldi’s Four Seasons.
- Baroque composers developed musical styles such as the concerto and sonata.
- The Baroque Period introduced instruments such as the harpsichord, fortepiano (late
baroque period), and the viol.
- Instruments played during this period usually involved strings, woodwinds, a harpsichord
with very little percussion.
- Baroque music often used Ritornello form, which is the Italian word for return.
- Ritornello form revolves around a main theme and solo episodes. The main
theme would ‘return’ in parts, and these solo episodes would varily contrast the
main theme. The main theme is known as the Ritornello in the pieces.
- However, some pieces also used Ternary form (A B A) and Binary form (A B).
Relevant musical examples

Four Seasons - Vivaldi

Toccata and Fugue in D minor - J.S. Bach
Water Music - George Frederic Handel