Classical and Baroque Music Characteristics

In music we have been learning about the differences between the Characteristics of Classical and baroque music.Here are some examples of differences and the different characteristics between the different types/genres of music.

Classical Music Characteristics

• Classical music has a lighter and clearer texture than Baroque music and is less complex.
• The dates of the Classical period in Western music are generally accepted as being between the years 1730 and 1820. 
• It is mainly homophonic (which is a clear melody above a subordinate chordal accompaniment).
• The strings on a piano were banged with a small hammer every time you pushed a key

Baroque Music Characteristics

• The era of Baroque music was based around 1600-1750.
• During the Baroque period, the orchestra started to take shape. The string section became a self-contained unit.
• Composers would add other instruments in ones and twos: Flutes, Recorders, Oboes, Bassoons, Horns, and occasionally trumpets and kettle drums. There was a lot of contrast, especially in the dynamics. Sometimes there were also echo effects.
• Pianos in the musical era of baroque were called harpsichords they strings were plucked each time a key was pushed down like a harp giving it a completely different sound altogether