Baroque 1600 -1750

Italy, Germany, England and the rest of Europe -The Renaissance Period saw the rise of education -education became more accessible than before and universities and music schools began to grow throughout this period -Although the Church and State lost credibility and some of their influence during the Renaissance, they still were the most powerful and wealthy institutions in society.

The Council of Trent “The Council of Trent” was a conference held in Trento Italy from 1545 to 1563 by the Roman Catholic Church to address the challenges put to the church during the Renaissance. They decided that they should encourage paintings, sculptures and music in church contexts. This would speak to the illiterate rather than to the well-informed and, was a large influence of the Baroque. However, art didn’t begin to appear until a generation later. The Church wanted art that would inspire emotional responses to their teachings of God.

-Baroque came from the word word “barocco” Portuguese for “elaborate pearl” -Baroque art was to be “elaborate”and make people emotionally respond to the glory of God

Bach Handel Pachelbel These three were the best -Musicians could best make a living being employed by Royalty and the Church. -they were treated as musical servants writing songs for the royal and religious occasions -these institutions liked to show off their riches by hiring the best composers of the land Bach Handel Pachelbel These three were the best

Johann Sebastian Bach -Johann Sebastien Bach 1685 to 1750 German, worked for many different people, had 20 children, the Baroque Period died with him -his death is the “death” of Baroque -“Air” “Toccata in D minor” “Minuet”

The Harpsichord This invention of the Harpsichord brought composing to new heights. The harpsichord was like the predecessor to the piano allowing the composer to play many notes at once

-The Church Pipe Organ These organs became so massive and elaborate that when churches were built, they often had to built the organ first, and build the church around it.

George Frederick Handel 1685-1759 Born German, but was hired by the King of England. He lived there the rest of his life and was buried as England’s Greatest Composer -Handel’s Messiah “Hallelujah” Chorus -“Water Music” written for a boat trip by the King and his Queen down the river

Johan Pachelbel 1653-1706 French composer -Pachelbel’s Cannon was a famous harmonic pattern used countless times since. You’d be amazed how many times you hear it.