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