Common Themes Of Baroque Era Music

One defining feature of Baroque era music was its connection to and expression of worship themes. Because many well-known composers during this time worked for the Church, sacred music was often written for specific religious occasions. A cultural value held by many composers during this time was to write to honor God. During the Baroque period, many composers developed more elaborate musical embellishments. Changes were made in musical notation and advancements in instrumental playing techniques were achieved. The Toccata and Fugue in D Minor is a two-part musical work for the organ. The three most famous notes in classical music are thought to be those that begin this piece of work. “The late organist Virgil Fox said those three notes are
Bach is not only famous in the history of music, but especially as the figure-head of the Baroque style. He was brought up a Lutheran and later served his role as a professional musician in worship. Bach came from a family of musicians, stretching back several generations. He had a deep-rooted faith that allowed him to communicate a meaningful spiritual message. Lutheran musical worship is built on congregational hymns, or chorales, that are specific to that Sunday’s service. At twenty-three, Bach took his first important position as a court organist and chamber musician to the duke of Weimar. During this time, his fame as organ virtuoso expanded, and he composed an abundance of important works for that specific instrument. Later, at age thirty-eight, Bach then took one of the most important musical positions in Germany: cantor at St. Thomas church in Leipzig. In this role, he oversaw the music for the city’s four main churches, chose and trained the choristers there, and composed the music for their everyday services. Bach also was the director of the collegium
Music during this time was full of emotion, theatrical, and improve heavy. It was when texture shifted from that of several independent parts to one in which only a single melody stood out. For emotional effect it had a continuous, speechlike melody with wide leaps and chromatic tones. The rhythm was predominantly single, with a steady energetic pulse. Early baroque music was homophonic in texture, later changing to that of polyphonic. The instrumental genres during this time were the trio sonata, concerto, suite, prelude, and fugue; popular vocal genres were Opera, Mass, Magnificat, oratorio, cantata, and anthem. A chromatic harmony was often used to create an expressive effect and the major-minor system was established. The string orchestra with woodwinds added in was the main performing force, while the organ and harpsichord made often appearances. Bach did not create new forms during this time, but instead raised existing ones to their highest level. No one has yet to meet his level of expertise of contrapuntal composition, especially that of fugal writing. A magnificent baroque-era composer, Johann Sebastian Bach is revered through the ages for his work's musical complexities and stylistic