Bacchic Concert
The term “Baroque” comes from the Portuguese word barroco, which means “misshapen pearl.” The word was first used in the sixteenth century in reference to jewelry. The first use of the term in reference to music appears to have taken place in the 1730s, noting the complexity, strangeness, and changes in the music itself. The philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau defined baroque music as “that in which the harmony is confused, charged with modulations and dissonances, the melody is harsh and little natural, the intonation difficult, and the movement constrained.” Some have described the music of the Baroque period as “highly decorated,” which reflects on the elaborate nature and complexity of the music compositions. Still others have likened Baroque music to listening to multiple people having a conversation all at the same time. Over time, “Baroque” would also be applied to other forms of fine art, including architecture.
Scholars do not agree on the precise dates of the Baroque period, particularly the starting point of this period of music. Some scholars have argued that the Baroque period began about 1570, as the music of the Renaissance changed to a more Baroque style. Others have placed the start of the Baroque period later, around 1600. There is more agreement that the Baroque period ended at the middle of the eighteenth century.
The era in which Baroque music developed was a period that witnessed many advances in knowledge and changes in culture. During the Renaissance, Europe had experienced a number of changes that would pave the way for the Baroque period. The Protestant Reformation had changed the landscape of religion and theology in Europe. Politically and culturally, Europe had turned toward rationalism and humanism to guide policies and philosophy. Scientists had begun using the scientific method and more closely studying the world around them.
Baroque Organ
The changes of the Renaissance would have a strong impact on the Baroque period. From around 1600 to 1750, scientists such as Isaac Newton and Galileo were pushing forward society’s notions about the physics of the earth and the universe beyond earth. Philosophers such as Descartes and Locke built upon and challenged ideas from the Renaissance. European countries began to expand their territories by colonizing some of the places they had “discovered” during the previous centuries, including the Americas. In mathematics, Pascal created a mechanical calculator, and calculus was invented by several scientists, including Newton.
The discoveries and changes in society would also extend to the music of the Baroque period. Although we know about music from earlier periods, the music of the Baroque period is the first to be among the musical pieces that people today are generally familiar with. In fact, it is likely that you have heard music from the Baroque period, although you may not have known this before today. For example, the “Hallelujah Chorus” from Handel’s Messiah is a common sound during the Christmas holiday.