Baroque
History
Baroque period lasted roughly from 1600AD to 18th century before Industrial Revolution. It was a period of exaggeratedly elegant and grand arts. Grand and elegant arts was supported by Roman Catholic church since Catholic church hoped that arts would emotionally attract people to support Roman Catholic church in response to Protestant Reformation. Moreover, aristocracy also supported lavish arts and architecture in order to impress visitors and express supreme political power and control. Supremely powerful figures such as King Louis XIV of France and Pope of Rome built and decorated Versailles Palace and St.Peter's Basilica Cathedral respectively so lavishly and grandly to express their supreme power.
Versailles Palace constructed by King Louis XIV of France
Versailles, France Inside Versailles Palace
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St.Peter's Basilica Cathedral, the residence of Pope of Rome
Rome, Italy Inside St.Peter's Basilica Cathedral
St.Paul's cathedral, London, UK
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Baroque music
Since Baroque arts were so lavish and grand to give very cheerful emotion and impression that are difficult to forget, so was Baroque music. Baroque music used melody and sounds that make listeners feel very lively, vivid and cheerful. And to be honest, I feel as if I were a wealthy person living so happily in a grand and elegant place and surrounded by lavish things when I listen to Baroque music.
Four Seasons is Baroque music that has been worldwide famous until present time. It was composed by Antonio Vivaldi, one of the greatest Baroque composers.
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This sonata was composed by Arcangelo Corelli, a great Baroque composer. Sonata is a musical form highly associated with Baroque period.
Harpsichord was one of the musical instruments widely used in Baroque music since it expresses very vivid emotion
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Baroque Musicians
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750): Germany
George Frideric Handel (1685–1759): Germany
François Couperin (1668–1733): France
Antonio Vivaldi (1678–1741) Italy
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Georg Philipp Telemann (1681–1767): Germany
Jean-Phillippe Rameau (1683–1764): France
Jean-Baptiste Lully (1632–1687): France
Henry Purcell (1659–1695): England
Archangelo Corelli (1653–1713) Italy
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