Classical vs Baroque
Classical and Baroque are two types of music forms that are different in terms of their characteristics and rendering. People have come to a general agreement that Baroque music period began after the Renaissance, approximately in 1600. As Baroque is the predecessor of Classical music, Classical music comes into play after Baroque music about in 1750. Then, by the beginning of the 19th century, Classical music gave its place to the Romantic era. So as you can see, Baroque style of music prevailed earlier when compared to the classical type of music. It is firmly believed that the Baroque style overlapped with the classical type in the course of time. Gradually the classical performers dominated the music scene of the major part of Europe.
What is Baroque Music?
Baroque music lays more importance on adornment just like the art and architecture of the Baroque period. In fact, the musicians of the Baroque genre were the first ones to use multiple instruments. They also used complex harmonies too in their compositions. Baroque music used harpsichord and other string instruments. The rondo style of the Baroque music was ABACABA. However, the musicians that belonged to the Baroque style composed their music in only one mood.
Baroque musicians had more freedom in their manner of composition. They concentrated on improvisation too. This freedom gave the Baroque musicians the opportunity to ensemble the solo performances. As a matter of fact, the Baroque performers were the first ones to establish the opera form of music genre. Research showed that the freedom they enjoyed made them explore the field of opera. Some of the famous Baroque composers are Vivaldi, Bach, Monteverdi, Corelli and Handel.
What is Classical Music?
Classical music began with the invention of the sonata. Two different moods were set initially by the earlier classical singers, one related to lyricism and the other one related to pace. The one related to pace is a fast paced one. The Classical period used piano as the main instrument to perform their composition. The musicians strictly followed certain rules and regulations while composing music. The ABA or ABACA rondo style of the classical musicians is an example for that.
In contrast to the Baroque musicians, the classical performers enjoyed no freedom and hence could not concentrate on improvisation. Some of the famous classical composers are Haydn, Beethovan, Mozart and Schubert. From among these composers, Haydn was one of the first composers to develop the sonata form as well as the piano trios.
What is the difference between Classical and Baroque?
• Period of Origin:
Baroque music gained popularity after Renaissance, in about 1600. Classical music comes into play about in 1750 and by the beginning of the 19th century classical music gave place to the Romantic era.
• Composition:
Baroque music gave place to adornment. Classical music found its way with the invention of the sonata.
• Moods:
Two different moods were set initially by the earlier classical singers, one related to lyricism and the other one related to pace. The one related to pace is a fast paced one. On the contrary, the musicians that belonged to the Baroque style composed their music in only one mood.
• Instruments:
While Baroque music adored harpsichord and other string instruments, the Classical music favored the piano.
• Rondo Style:
The rondo style of the Baroque music was ABACABA while the rondo style of Classical music was ABA or ABACA.
• Structure:
The Classical musicians strictly followed certain rules and regulations while composing music. Baroque musicians had more freedom in their manner of composition. With this freedom, Baroque composers could focus more on improvisation and to ensemble the solo performances.
With the freedom, Baroque composers became the first to establish opera form of music genre. This is not the case with the classical performers.
• Famous Composers:
Some of the famous Baroque composers are Vivaldi, Bach, Monteverdi, Corelli and Handel. Some of the famous classical composers are Haydn, Beethovan, Mozart and Schubert.
As you can see, the difference between Baroque and Classical lies in what type of music each produced, what musical instruments they used, at what period in history they existed, etc. However, in the music world, both are much adored. Also, the music of these great composers of those times such as Beethovan and Mozart are still treasured by people.
Images Courtesy:
- 1734 harpsichord by Hieronymus Albrecht Hass via Wikicommons (Public Domain)
- Piano by
