I grew up listening to Baroque music since my mother was a classical pianist. Even though the music is from over 300 years ago it never grows old; it is as dramatic, exciting, and revolutionary as it was when first played. Baroque music during the time period 1600 to 1750 contains some of the best musical pieces ever composed. The music can be complex, intense, dramatic, spiritual, tender, and simply beautiful. It is timeless with universal appeal for all generations worldwide.
The Baroque era included the composers Bach, Handel, Vivaldi, Pachelbel, Albinoni, Monteverde, Lully, Purcell, Telemann, Rameau, and others. It shaped the Classical music era of Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Chopin, Schumann, Mendelssohn, Brahms, and others.
Bach
John Sebastion Bach (1685-1750) of Germany is universally acclaimed as one of the greatest composers of all time, influencing generations of composers, musicians, and music lovers. He was raised and trained in a musical family. His music is revolutionary, complex, dramatic, brilliant, often intense yet tender, and absolutely beautiful. Bach was very prolific with composing hundreds of works of music.
After Bach’s death, his music was forgotten. His music was re-discovered and had a profound impact on Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven, and Schubert. There was a Bach Revival led by Chopin, Mendelssohn, Schumann, Liszt, Brahms, Wagner, and others who popularized his work.
Brandenburg Concerto No 5 in D Major, BMV 1050, Bach, 1721
The six Brandenburg Concerts are some of the best music ever composed. The Number 5 Concerto uses the popular chamber ensemble of the time with flute, violin, and harpsichord showing the virtuosity of each player. Very popular, glorious, complex, and thrilling. Played by the Netherlands Bach Society.
Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major, Prelude, BMV 1007, Bach, 1717-23
The first suite for solo cello is one of Bach’s most recognizable and popular works. Considered “among the most profound of all classical works.” It is a wonderful melody with slow moving intensity. Bach wrote six cello suites. Played by YoYo Ma.
Prelude in C Major, BMV 846, Bach, 1727
The popular Prelude was very influential on later composers. Originally for lute, it is played on solo piano and is very touching, joyful, and moving. Performed by Lang Lang.
Concerto in D Minor, Adagio, BMV 974, Bach, 1715
Arranged by Bach of Marcello’s Oboe Concerto in D Minor. This is a tender and beautiful piece usually played on piano and cello. Played by Khatia Buniatishuii.
Vivaldi
Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741) of Italy was a very influential and popular composer and a virtuoso violinist. His work influenced Bach and other Baroque composers. He developed the innovative concerto form making it widely accepted. He was very prolific composing operas, concertos, and church music. His music is often bright, melodic, dynamic, enjoyable, and delightful.
Four Seasons, “Spring” from The Four Seasons, Vivaldi, 1718-20
The Four Seasons concertos are his best known work. The Spring Concerto in three movements is upbeat and enjoyable. Played by Alanna Youssefian and Voices of Music.
Handel
George Frederic Handel (1685-1759) was from Germany, studied in Italy, and then settled in England were he became a successful composer for British royalty. His music is majestic and was a big influence on Hayden, Mozart, and Beethoven. He composed operas, concertos, canons, and church music.
Arrival of the Queen of Sheba, HWV 67, by Handel, 1749
The work is upbeat, fast tempo, fun, and enjoyable. Played by Academy of Ancient Music.
Pachabel
Johann Pachelbel (1653-1706) from Germany was very popular in his age and a big influence on Bach, Handel, Scarlatti, and Telemann. He composed church music, preludes, fugues, organ music, toccatas, and choral music.
Canon in D Major, Pachelbel, 1680
His best known work. Very tender and reflective. Played by Impetus Madrid Baroque Ensemble.
Albinoni
Tomaso Albinoni (1671-1751) of Italy was a major influence on Bach and Vivaldi. He composed many operas, concertos, sonatas, and cantatas.
Adagio in G Minor, attributed to Albinoni, 18th Century
His most famous work but the actual composer is in dispute. Very tender and reflective.
Plhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_eLU5W1vc8Yayed by the Copernicus Chamber Orchestra.
And More for Your Enjoyment
Toccata and Fugue in D Minor, by Bach, 1740
The best known work for organ. Majestic, dynamic, awe inspiring. It is used in many movies. Played by Hannes Kastner.
Hallelujah Chorus from Messiah, by Handel 1741
The majestic, popular work performed during the Christmas season. Played by the Royal Choral Society
References
Classical FM
Classical Café
CD’s of music and liner notes
Youtube
Wikipedia
