Grace Notes

What is Baroque Music?

DONNA REILLY

The Baroque period began around 1600-1750 at roughly the time of Monteverdi, Corelli, and Vivaldi, and concluded with the music of Bach and Handel around 1750. The term “Baroque” comes from a Portuguese word, barroco, meaning “strangely-shaped pearl.” Music critics in the 19th century thought Bach and Handel’s music was much too ornamental and exaggerated. But the name endured,  surviving its negative connotation, and today we regard the music composed during that period to be some of the richest and most beautiful in the history of music.

Dramatic contrast is an important characteristic of Baroque music: with strong dynamics, as well as contrasting solo and ensemble parts. Soloists, both instrumental and vocal, were given music that was meant to demonstrate their talents; the results were often remarkable performances of amazing virtuosity. They also excelled at improvisation, especially on repeated sections. Instruments, such as the violin and trumpet, enjoyed renewed interest at this time. Basso continuo, or thorough bass (definition below), was practiced throughout the Baroque period and served as foundation for the richly-ornamented music that evolved above and around it.

Because a Baroque score has little information aside from the notes, the conductor and the musicians must make informed decisions about how it is to be played. If they are playing  period instruments, they must adjust their techniques to account for how those instruments differ from modern versions. We can’t really know exactly how this music sounded 400 years ago, but it has enjoyed a tremendous revival in our time, and many ensembles have been formed with the intent of performing Baroque music as close to the original as can be accomplished with the information we have. Conservatories such as Julliard offer programs in “historical performance.” 

This music provides great listening pleasure, with the ability to soothe and excite at the same time. Baroque composers shared a firm belief that music is an important means of communication; one which transcends time, spoken language, and political borders. Perhaps that is reason enough to continue performing it today.