Baroque and Classical Music: History and Characteristics

Baroque and Classical Music

The Baroque period in European culture was an artistic movement that served the power of absolute monarchy, uniting politics and religion. It occurred roughly between 1600 and 1750, from the first preserved operas to the death of Bach. Originating in Italy, it spread throughout Europe, peaking in Germanic countries and differing in each. Rulers used it to display power and wealth, and the church used it to reach the faithful in religious ceremonies.

Key Characteristics of Baroque Music

• Style concertato
• Basso continuo
• Important instruments: violin
• Birth of opera, musical scenes, and zarzuela

Opera

Opera is the largest and most complex musical spectacle, a synthesis of poetry, music, and dance. Its parts include:

• Overture
• Excerpts (semirecitados)
• Arias
• Choruses
• Instrumental interludes

Other Baroque Forms

• Cantata: A work created to be sung with arias, choruses, and instrumental accompaniment.
• Chorale: Singing in unison, often used in Lutheran church services.
• Oratorio: A musical drama with religious text where characters sing but do not act. The difference between a Passion and an Oratorio is that a Passion is based on the events of the Apostles, while an Oratorio is written based on the director's vision.
• Zarzuela: A Spanish genre with alternating sung and spoken parts.

Classical Period

The Classical period reflected a new philosophy inspired by the Renaissance, imitating Greco-Roman antiquity with classical buildings, mythological subjects, and sculpture. Lasting from 1750, it featured elegant and pleasant music with regular rhythms and clear, independent melodies. Public concerts became common.

Key Characteristics of Classical Music

• Bass changed to vertical harmony
• Clear and balanced structures
• Texture is a sound accompanied by paired phrases

Classical Forms

• Sonata: A composition with a maximum of 4 movements, following an exposition and recapitulation structure.
• Classical Concerto: Sonata form applied to an instrumental soloist with orchestral accompaniment.
• Symphony: Instrumental pieces between the two parts of a play, also called the overture or sinfonia, initially part of the first operas.