Transcript Baroque Music

Baroque Music
Characteristics
• Baroque – comes from the Italian word
“barocco” meaning bizarre or exuberant
• The word was originally used to describe
the highly decorative style of the 17th and
18th century
• Baroque is now used to describe music
from the 17th and 18th century. It refers to
the genre of music that originated around
1600 until about 1750
• Although we may sometimes think that the
music is very rigid, many people during the
1600s and 1700s thought that music was highly
emotional. The fast and flowery notes made
them think the music was “WILD.”
• Word painting was used a lot in Baroque music.
This was when the words were portrayed
through the music – either through the lyrics or
just in the music. (Ex: water fall, sigh)
• Many composers wrote their music for
specific purposes. For example, Vivaldi
wrote many famous concertos, however,
he also wrote many 5-finger exercises for
his students.
• Bach’s music early music was influenced
by the courts where he was employed.
However, his later music was usually
written for the church.
• Many composers worked for patrons
– people who paid them money to
write music. This was usually the
noble courts, rich families, or the
Church.
Composers and Famous Works
• Antonio Vivaldi – Four Seasons
• George Fredric Handel – Messiah, Water
Music Suites, Royal Fireworks Music
• J.S. Bach – keyboard works (Inventions),
Brandenburg Concerto, Jesu, Joy of Man’s
Desiring
• Domenico Scarlatti – keyboard works
(over 500 piano Sonatas)