The Baroque Period

886 Words2 Pages

Music reached its peak of success between the 17th and 18th century. This time period is known as the Baroque period. Countless composers achieved immense success during this point in history, two of the most famous being, Johann Bach and George Frideric Handel. The first opera, oratorio, and cantata occurred during the Baroque period. Amazingly, most of the instruments used during the period, remain in use today. The Baroque period in music obviously played a tremendous role in the growth of music through its numerous successful composers and various types of instruments. The Baroque period in music began 1600 and ended around 1750. The unique instruments and styles defined the Baroque period as composers began to withdraw new and unknown sounds by tweaking different instruments. The name Baroque came from the Portuguese barroco, which means oddly shaped pearl. The first opera made its appearance during the Baroque period. A myriad of young outgoing composers also became well known during this point in history. Included in these are: Bach, Caccini, Corelli, Froberger, Geminiami, Handel, Lully, Metastasio, Monteverdi, Pachelbel, Peri, Scarlatti, Telemann, Vivaldi and Zachau. As the Baroque Period concluded around 1750, it was evident that many composers had prospered greatly during the time era. Johann Bach lived from 1685 – 1750 throughout Europe, but he originally resided in Germany. Although his father was an accomplished organist, Bach became orphaned at age ten and found himself in the care of his older brother, who despised music. Having a secret passion for music, Bach strived to learn and master the art of music. As he aged, Bach primarily played the organ, developing a strong love for the instrument. Although he also be... ... middle of paper ... ...usic through the myriad of instruments they included in their orchestras. Obviously, the Baroque period propelled music to success and popularity it had never reached before. Works Cited • "Baroque-Music.com." Baroque-Music.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Jan. 2014. • Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica, n.d. Web. 26 Jan. 2014. • Encyclopedia.com. HighBeam Research, n.d. Web. 27 Jan. 2014. • The Kingfisher History Encyclopedia. Boston: Kingfisher, 2004. Print. • "Music of the Baroque." Music of the Baroque. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Jan. 2014. • Pogue, David, and Scott Speck. Classical Music for Dummies. Foster City, CA: IDG Worldwide, 1997. Print. • Smith, Jane Stuart., and Betty Carlson. The Gift of Music: Great Composers and Their Influence. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 1995. Print. • "ThinkQuest : Library." ThinkQuest : Library. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Jan. 2014.

Open Document