What is the distinction in the Baroque music period from other styles?

Question

Anyone?

Answer 1

Corrr let my brain think back to GCSEs

Baroque uses mainly string instruments, while other periods tend to use more of the orchestra.

Baroque has a basso continuo which other periods dont.

Baroques well known composer is Bach.

Baroque does distinct dynamics; either piano or forte.

Baroque tends to be in ternary form.

Baroque uses variations.

I cant think anymore!

hope this helps!

:]

Answer 2

well.

from what i have studied. baroque means "irregularly shaped pearl".

basically the name applied to the music itself.

tonality developed from this period.

=]

Answer 3

The Baroque Era is characterized by the use of complex polyphony and homophony. Opera also influenced music, inventing forms such as the aria and concerto. Baroque music utilized the early forms of modern instruments (oboe, bassoon, violin, etc.) which had a limited range and played at the Baroque pitch (a'=415 Hz.), so music from the Baroque era was more complex than the Renaissance, but not as complex as later eras.

     In the Baroque era, orchestras were small, with about 14 performers. The music was often based on dances, and was written for specific audiences. Dances of the Baroque era disappeared during the classical era, so the dance style of the Baroque gave way to modern dances.

     One of the most important distinction of the Baroque era, especially for keyboard music, was the development of new temperaments. Meantone temperament was developed near the end of the Medieval period, and was used during the Renaissance. In the Baroque era, theorists developed well temperament (hence Bach's Well-Tempered Clavier) and others. This allowed for all of the keys, not just keys up to four sharps or three flats, to be used, letting composers experiment with newly available keys that used to be highly dissonant. All of this allowed the Baroque era to create a highly distinguishable sound.

     I hope this answers this question.