THE BAROQUE PERIOD

1600-1750

Main composers:

Bach, Handel, Vivaldi

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Main types of Music:

Comcerto Grosso, Suite, Trio Sonata, Italian Overture, French Overture, Toccata, Prelude & Fugue, Opera, Oratorio, Canata, Chorale.

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Main features of the Music:

• Simple melodies at the start of the era, but also long, spun out melodies later

• Use of ornaments and terraced dynamics

• Energetic and relentless rhythmic movement

• The major/minor key system

• Different types of texture, with strong homophonic passages, and complex contrapuntal and polyphonic works

• The orchestra was made mainly of strings, but also of wind instruments such as recorders, flutes, oboes and horns

• Use of the harpsichord/organ, basso continuo and figured bass

• Forms such as binary, ternary (do capo), rondeau, variations, ritornello and fugue.