The Baroque Period: 1600-1750
J.S. Bach (1685-1750)
Johann Sebastian Bach was born and spent the majority of his life in Germany. As a child he played organ and sang in choirs, and by the time he was fifteen he was working as an organist throughout Germany.
Bach is considered the father of counterpoint, which was evident in the large amount of music he wrote including concertos, oratorios, cantatas, chorales and piano inventions. Bach is one of the most influential composers of all time.
Handel (1685-1759)
George Frideric Handel was born in the Prussian town Halle, and was the second most famous composer of the Baroque Era after Bach.
Handel was known for his sonatas, concertos, oratorios, and he also helped develop the modern opera. One of his most famous compositions is the Messiah oratorio.
The music of this time period was often highly ornamented and elaborate. Music was mainly written for the church or the monarchs.