Daisy Gomez
Essay No.3. the Early Baroque Period
Number of words: 344
The rapid music changes from the Baroque period took place from 1600 to 1750. This
manifest originated in Italy and brought about music that “captures its excess and extravagance.”
This period birthed Opera, Functional Harmony, and Instrumental music; as well
as the technique of Recitative and Aria.
While listening to the pieces from the Baroque period I felt pure joy. When compared to the
music from the Middle Ages, Baroque seemed to bring about more life. Although I appreciated
the music from the Middle Ages, I did not feel the same sadness and heaviness when I listened to
the music from the Baroque period. When I heard the first instrumental song all I wanted to say
was: yes! finally! I immediately knew that this music opened up the door to the more modern
music we listen to today. One of the most interesting songs I heard was Claudio Monteverdi, The
Coronation of Poppea (1642). I enjoyed it so much because it brought me back to my seventh
grade Italian class; singing along to Italian songs with my classmates day after day. The voices
sounded angelic, and knowing the back story of the song while following the lyrics only brought
a chuckle. I appreciated the single short melody, (played by what I believe was the guitar,) that
started in the beginning of the piece and repeated throughout the piece. I also thought the cello’s
performance was very strong. Honestly, this song greatly resembles some of the music I listen to
today.
The other piece that spiked my interest was Girolamo Frescobaldi, Canzona, Balleto,
and Corrente (1627-1637), from the Rise of Instrumental Music. As soon as I heard
the Conzona I smiled. The sound of instruments alone is a very heartwarming sound to me so
I immediately loved it. I couldn’t stop thanking him in my head for bringing the instrumental