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Writer's pictureRachel Beard

The Different Eras of Classical Music: The Baroque Period (1600 - 1750)

Updated: Nov 4



If it's not Baroque, don't fix it!


The term “baroque” comes from the Portuguese word barroco, which means “oddly shaped pearl”. While this seems like a strange description for a period of music, it refers to the ornate, decorated nature of the art that came out of this era.


In general, music became more grand, dramatic, and full of contrasts (in terms of dynamics and texture), and melodies were often decorated with music ornaments such as trills and turns. Instrumental music, which had previously existed to accompany dancing or for use in religious settings, grew in popularity, significance, and complexity. Composers began experimenting with larger ensembles which gave birth to the orchestra. Solo keyboard music was also popular; pieces were composed for the harpsichord (the predecessor to the piano), and this became an archetypal sound of the Baroque period.


The musical forms and structure established during this period would become mainstays of classical music, with the three main ones being opera, concertos, and sonatas. Further, professional musicians during this time were expected to be accomplished improvisers as both soloists and accompanists.


Italian composers were at the forefront of many of the major developments of this era, though hugely important composers emerged later from Germany, France, and England.


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