The Baroque Era 1600 1750 Baroque literally means

The Baroque Era 1600 -1750 Baroque literally means an uneven pearl. It came from the Portuguese word barocoo. Now it means art that is bizarre, flamboyant and elaborately ornamented. The Baroque Palace of Versailles near Paris, was built and decorated as a magnificent setting for King Louis XIV of France.

Early in the 1600’s, a new style lavished buildings with complex shapes, extravagant ornaments, opulent paintings and bold contrasts.

The baroque age is also known as the age of absolutism or the divine right of kings. A monarch had absolute power over the state. King Louis XIV, The Sun King

Baroque Clothing The clothing worn by royalty was often brightly colored, made of silk or velvet, and trimmed with lace, ribbon, or braid.

Baroque Hairstyles Louis XIV started the fashion trend of wigs for men because he was going bald. Some women also wore spectacular wigs, powdered, starched, and piled high in curls.

Baroque Science The Baroque period is also considered the age of scientific discoveries. Galileo proposed a sun centered universe as opposed to an earth centered universe. He also perfected the telescope. Sir Isaac Newton identified gravity and formulated principles of physics and mathematics.

Baroque Instruments Many of the instruments played during the Baroque period are the same ones play today. String instruments, trumpet, flute, bassoon and oboe were all used. Keyboard instruments included the organ and harpsichord. Although the first pianos were invented at the end of the Baroque period, they did not become popular for many years.

Opera became very popular during the Baroque Era. It combined elaborate sets and costumes with musical performances by skilled singers. The dramatic productions of the opera had their origins in the music dramas of the Church. Opera was attended by all the classes from peasants to royalty. Opera

1750 marked the end of the Baroque Era. This was the same year as the death of Johann Sebastian Bach, one of the great composers from the Baroque Era.