The Baroque period of music is characterized by grandiose and elaborate melodies, in contrast to the previous eras. It saw the development of new instrumental techniques, tonality, and musical concepts still used today. Major genres included concertos, fugues, oratorios and chorales. Prominent composers were Bach, known for sacred works and mastery of counterpoint; Vivaldi, a virtuoso violinist who featured strings; and Handel, remembered for operas and oratorios like Messiah.