Baroque Period 1600 1750 Characteristics of Baroque Music

Baroque Period 1600 -1750

Characteristics of Baroque Music • Unity of Mood – Same mood throughout entire piece • Repeated Rhythms • Repeated & Complex Melodies • Terraced Dynamics – Dynamic changes are sudden like walking up steps • Late Baroque music – mostly polyphonic

Johann Sebastian Bach 1685 - 1750

J. S. Bach • Born in Germany • Family had numerous musicians in it (over 80!!!) • Sons were also composers • Mother & father died within a few months of each other when he was 9 • Went to live with an older brother • Was church organist, concert master, in charge of music in 4 churches

J. S. Bach • Wrote sacred choral music, secular voice music, orchestral music, chamber music, keyboard music, organ music • Famous works include –Brandenburg Concerto (6 of them), The Well-Tempered Clavier, Cantatas, Toccata & Fugue in D Minor (for organ)

George Frederick Handel

Handel (1685 – 1759) • Born in Germany • Spent much of his life in England • His father discouraged Handel from learning music, but wanted him to study law • Snuck a clavicord into the attic so he could practice • Friend of family heard George play organ & advised father to let him study music

Water Music • Written for a party the King of England threw • Party was on a boat that was floating down the Thames River

“Hallelujah Chorus” • “Hallelujah Chorus” is the last movement in the oratorio Messiah • It is said that when the king of England heard the “Hallelujah Chorus” that he was so moved that he stood. It has become tradition to stand when the “Hallelujah Chorus” is sung.