The Baroque Period During the 17th and 18th century, approximately between the years 1600-1750. Key composers include Johann Sebastian Bach, Antonio Vivaldi and George Frideric Handel. Mainly in Western and Central Europe. Let’s take a look. This is when there are sudden changes in the volume levels of the music like this. Instead of increasing or decreasing gradually (like it would with crescendos and diminuendos) the music jumps between levels like going up and down the steps of a terrace (which is where this technique gets its name from). Melodies are the combination of pitches and rhythms into sequences or tunes. Baroque melodies were often long, lasting several bars with ornaments adding to the characteristic sound. Ornaments are like decorations, added to melodies to make them more interesting or to highlight particular notes. Some key ones to listen out for are: trills, turns, mordents, acciaccaturas and appoggiaturas. When it comes to Baroque instrumentation, there is one instrument that has become synonymous with this period – the harpsichord! This predecessor of the piano gets its distinct timbre or sound quality from the plucking action of the strings inside, giving it more of a guitar sound than that of the piano whose strings are hammered instead. In the Baroque orchestra, the string family ruled as many instruments that we are familiar with hearing in the orchestra today didn’t exist yet! Other instruments in the baroque orchestra include oboes, wooden flutes, trumpets and timpani also know as kettle drums. Time’s up! Let’s summarise! Remember these facts and you’ll be well on your way to study success!