Baroque and Classic Periods Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Baroque and Classic Periods - Research Paper Example Baroque era saw the transition of music from the traditional to the classical. It was marked with composer expanding the range and size of the instrumental performance. The most prominent composers of the era include Johann Sebastian Bach, Antonio Vivaldi, George Frideric Handel, Arcangelo Corelli, etc. New instrumental playing techniques were developed in this era. Classical era stressed more on the form and symmetry in the arts. The elaborate ornamentation from baroque era gave way to elegance and simplicity in the classical era. The prominent composers of the classical era were Ludwig van Beethoven, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Antonio Salieri, Christoph Willibald Gluck, etc. Following are the six pieces from the two eras that make my list that will be included in the time capsule: Air on a G String Air on a G String is work of Johann Sebastian Bach, not just the greatest composer of his era but one of the greatest composers of all time. This is originally a part of orchestral suite N o. 3 in D major, BWV 1068. A simple composition is a master piece for the fact that it is played only on the G string. The name â€Å"Air on a G string† was derived later in the 19th century when arrangements were made August Wilhelmj to play the original with a piano and violin, and the same name stuck to the original. The expression of ideas and feelings is extraordinary. Rhapsody Link: http://www.rhapsody.com/artist/various-artists/album/bach-for-the-brain-classical-music-to-make-you-smarter/track/air-on-a-g-string. Messiah by Handel Messiah composed by George Fredric Handel is an oratorio. This is one of the best-known works of Handel and one of the most performed Western Music coral works. Handel with numerous compositions defined the Baroque era along with Bach. The beauty of the piece is that it was composed for modest instruments and vocals. There was a deliberate change in direction with this composition as it did not resemble the conventional opera structure. This i s a master piece as it broke away from the conventional style and started a new way. It did not have any direct speech or takes any dramatic form. The main purpose of was to acclaim the â€Å"mystery of Godliness†. Also this makes the list for the time capsule because of its subject: Jesus Christ as the Messiah. Rhapsody Link: http://www.rhapsody.com/artist/george-frideric-handel/album/handel-messiah. â€Å"Spring† from the Concerto series ‘The Four Seasons’ Composed by Antonio Vivaldi, considered to be one of the greatest Baroque composers, â€Å"Spring† is a part of a set of 4 violin concertos. This is considered to be one of the best works of Vivaldi and is a popular piece from the era. It is cast in 3 movements like others in the set. Vivaldi has beautifully depicted scenes and events through this master piece. The music is imaginative and brings the event to life by adding vividry through short sonnets. Prior to Vivaldi, violin was not consider ed as a solo instrument but it was this work that brought violin from the background to the center. The pictorial depiction of spring season is an example of Vivaldi’s genius. In the first movement, the coming of the spring season is glorified while in the second movement we hear continuous barking of the shepherd’s dog. Rhapsody Link: http://www.rhapsody.com/artist/various-artists/album/classical-moods---100-top-classical-favorites-of-all-time-big-eye-music/track/spring-from-the-four-seasons---violin-concerto-in-e-major. Concerto for Flute and