Why I love music from the Baroque Era (1650-1700)

[katie1997]

With the decreasing influence of the church, composers of this time were beginning to compose highly decorated and elaborate melodies. I am a great fan of Purcell, Bach, Vivaldi, Telemann and Handel to name but a few.

I love the contrasting music of this era, just take a look at the Fugues by Bach and Handel for example. Now I enjoy a good Fugue as much as the next person but I don't think anyone can argue that it was Purcell's compositions that heralded the beginning of this fantastic new era. (Of course, he seems not to have cared so much for the Air and Variations of which the Elizabethans were so fond.)

[*Bob*]

Good call!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sacred or secular?

[katie1997]

I'm a fan of his church music believe it or not. The anthems were quite solemn tho. A lot of Purcell's lovely music for two violins with one 'cello and a harpsichord have been neglected, more's the pity.

I prefer Bach when he wasn't composing church music and instead created great music for instruments other than the organ.

[katie1997]

*Bob* are you also a fan of Bach's use of Chorales in his Cantatas and Passion Music? The Pastoral Symphony from his Christmas Oratorio (begins Part II) is pretty good. I like the variety of this era most - compare that piece with Handel's Pastoral Symphony in Messiah (tu)

[*Bob*]

No.

Too commercial.

[katie1997]

aha, yes, you are quite correct - the music of the seventeenth century became very popular indeed.

S'pose you're more a fan of earlier works such as Tallis, Byrd, Bull, Gibbons, Farnaby, Dowland.

[El Pibe]

Obviously Purcell's best religious inspired work was "Knoweth They 'Tis Yuletide?"

But here's a lovely bit of his music for your delectation that he didn't colaborate with Midge Ure on.

[giggirl]

Oh please, not you as well Katie Numbers. Somebody wake me up when the's a thread needing an opinion on John Bonham's right foot.

[katie1997]

El Pibe Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> Obviously Purcell's best religious inspired work

> was "Knoweth They 'Tis Yuletide?"

> But here's a lovely bit of his music for your

> delectation that he didn't colaborate with Midge

> Ure on.

And not just Midge! He collaborated with several other 'composers' for that composition. 'this evening, thank the Lord, its thine instead of thee' was Paul Sebastian Johann Hewson for that particular line. Thanks for the link, really enjoyed that cantata.

Now giggirl, apologies and all that but this thread is strictly for Baroque fans. I really don't mind whether that's early, middle or later from the era. Egalitarian, that's me.

Disclaimer: Percy's not with me at the moment so any ...trickier questions or invitations for deeper comment will be dealt with later.

Edited for ninjas.

[ibilly99]

Baroque and Roll !

[giggirl]

For those about to Baroque, we salute you.

[rachel83]

What about the French Baroque composers? I think Couperin and Rameau are the shining stars of the Baroque era. This harpsichord tune is one of my faves, La Marche des Scythes by Royer:

Soler, Scarlatti and Byrd are also other favourites of mine (tu)

[uncleglen]

Sorry gig girl, John Bonham's right foot is long dead (RIP) the best drummers use two feet on the kick drum

[Otta]

Having spent my A Level years, and some if my uni years picking through Bach Chorales, looking for interrupted cadences, and completing harmonies, whilst avoiding parallel 5th's & 8th's and hoping to finish with the Bach Cliche (IIb V7 I), I can honestly say I'll shed no tears if I never hear another one in my life!

[Loz]

But I love the Puccini lays down a tune. And Verdi's always creeping from my room...

[Otta]

Four Seasons is good. Nigel Kennedy done a great version before he went all "alternative" on us.

[????]

mmm, can't agree Four Seasons reminds me of wedding receptions in american rom coms

[tallulah71]

I saw Nige perform that at The Barbican it was amazing.

[maxxi]

If we're talking about the post 1700 chaps Mauro Giuliani (1781-1829) is my boy... without him we'd never have had this-

 

[tallulah71]

Defy anyone not to love John Tavener - The Lamb. I know it's not Baroque, but it's bloody gorgeous.

[KalamityKel]

Incidentally... The Lufthansa Festival of Baroque Music 2012 started last night...