Description: The Baroque period in music, spanning roughly from the early 17th century to the mid-18th century, was characterized by ornate and expressive compositions. Key features of Baroque music include the use of ornamentation, contrasting dynamics, and the development of tonality. Baroque composers, such as Johann Sebastian Bach, George Frideric Handel, and Antonio Vivaldi, explored new forms and techniques, contributing to the establishment of major and minor scales. The period saw the rise of instrumental genres like the concerto, sonata, and suite, as well as the continued evolution of vocal music, including the opera and oratorio. Baroque music often featured basso continuo, a continuous bassline typically played by a harpsichord or organ along with a bass instrument. The era laid the groundwork for the development of classical music, and its influence can be heard in the rich and diverse compositions of subsequent periods.
