Derived from the Portuguesebarroco, or "oddlyshapedpearl," the term "baroque" has been widely used since the nineteenthcentury to describe the period in WesternEuropean art music from about 1600 to 1750
Italy played a vitalrole in the development of thesegenres, but new concepts of what it meant to be a nation increased the imperative of a "nationalstyle"
Baroque compositions often employ starkcontrasts in dynamics (loud vs. soft), instrumentation (solo vs. ensemble), and timbres to createdramaticeffectsand engage listeners
Differences in instrument construction and historical performance practices suggest that Baroquemusic was playeddifferently from modernrenditions, with nuances like the use of finger and bowvibrato varying between eras
Popular in the 17th and early18thcenturies, lively and often performed in royalcourts or at socialgatherings, had specific steps and patterns, and dancers wore elaboratecostumes
Fancy and rich-looking, showing off the wealth of people in the Baroque era
Men wore coats with bigsleeves, fancyvests, and pants that stopped below the knee, as well as laceties, bigwigs, and decorations
Women's dresses were big and had tighttops with fullskirts, made of expensive fabrics like silk and velvet, and had lots of decorations like lace and ribbons
Both men and women wore shinyjewelry like pearls and gold to make their outfits even fancier