1. The Baroque Era

2. What was going on in the world?
Galileo confirms the Earth is round
Louis XIV ruled France (The Sun King)
Sir Isaac Newton publishes his Laws of Universal Gravitation

3. 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

4. Baroque Composers

5. 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 key
AIR on the G string
Toccata and Fugue in D minor

6. George Frederic Handel
*Composed for the King of England
Messiah –Hallelujah Chorus
Water Music

7. Antonio Vivaldi 1678-1741 *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

8. Domenico Scarlatti

9. Francois Couperin

10. Henry Purcell

11. Georg Philipp Telemann

12. Baroque Instruments

13. Horn

14. Viola

15. Cello

16. Harpsichords & Claviers

17. Pipe Organ

18. HOW MUSIC CHANGED?
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.

19. Limited creativity or freedom Mass production of music
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