Baroque vs. Classical Music

Although music from the 17th, 18th, and 19th century is all often grouped under the designation of 'classical' music today, the Baroque and the Classical periods have distinctive features and stylization that are immediately apparent when listening to the great composers of both eras. When listening to a Baroque work, the contrast between different 'movements' is quite notable. The celebratory Baroque work Handel's Water Music, for example, has three distinct sections, with sharp breaks between the different suites. Each movement reflects a particular tone and musical atmosphere, followed by another movement with a very distinct, contrasting sound. In contrast, Classical composers "did not restrict themselves to the 'terraced' dynamics (abrupt shifts from loud to soft) characteristic of Baroque music" (Characteristics of Classical Music, 2011, Music Learning Center). Classical composers wanted to portray a full expression of human emotions, rather than simply create a mood.

During the...
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