The Baroque musical period lasted from 1600-1750 primarily in Europe. During this time, opera was created, musicians trained for years to perfect their skills, and rules for writing music were established. Notable Baroque composers included Antonio Vivaldi, who wrote music for string instruments and operas; George Frideric Handel, who composed oratorios and music for the King of England; and Johann Sebastian Bach, who came from a musical family and wrote difficult organ and fugue music.

1. Name: Baroque Musical Period
Dates: 1600-1750
Countries: Europe
Facts:
• The word “baroque” means
“broken”.
• More instruments were
becoming available and the
need for music grew.
Music:
• Opera was created.
• Singers and instrument
players studied for years to
be perfect.
• Rules for writing music were
created that are still used
today.

2. Name: Antonio Vivaldi
Dates: 1678-1741
Country: Italy
Facts:
• He was called “The Red
Priest” because his hair
was red.
• He worked at a home for
orphaned children.
Music:
• Vivaldi played the violin
and wrote many songs for
string instruments.
• He also wrote operas and
music for royalty.

3. Name: George Frideric Handel
Dates: 1685-1759
Country: Germany and England
Facts:
• Handel’s father didn’t want
him to study music, in fact, he
had to sneak his piano
practices!
Music:
• Handel wrote oratorios, which
were like operas which used
stories from the Bible.
• Handel wrote music for the
King of England.
• Mrs. Fricke thinks Handel’s
music is really annoying – but
you can judge for yourself.

4. Name: Johann Sebastian Bach
Dates: 1685-1750
Country: Germany
Facts:
• Bach played the organ, a
keyboard instrument.
• Bach came from a musical
family.
Music:
• Much of Bach’s music is
considered difficult to
perform.
• Bach wrote many fugues, a
type of music that uses a
main theme that is changed
throughout the song.