What is the difference between the Baroque period and Classical period?

Baroque Period Dates: 1600-1750 Instruments: Importance of the harpsichord / Focus on stringed instuments Orchestra: Small in size (25 or less instruments) Texture: Often complex and polyphonic Key Features: Composers and suggested listening: Bach (Brandenburg Concerto No 5 - 3rd Movement), Vivaldi (The Four Seasons) and Handel (Zadok the Priest) Classical Period Dates: 1750-1820 Instruments: More woodwind, brass and percussion (invention of the clarinet etc...) Orchestra: Bigger in size and now standardized Texture: Homophonic (melody with accompaniment) Key features: Frequent changes of dynamics, mood and timbre compared to the Baroque period Composers and suggested listening: Mozart (Clarinet Concerto) and Beethoven (Moonlight Sonata)

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Answered by David C. Music tutor

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