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)

DC
Answered by David C. Music tutor

11766 Views

See similar Music GCSE tutors

Related Music GCSE answers

All answers ▸

List three traits of minimalist music


What is a common harmonic device used in Classical Orchestral music?


What is an ostinato?


Comment on how Mozart uses Melody, Tonality, Structure, Rhythm and Instrumentation in the 1st Movement from Symphony No. 40 in G Minor, K 550


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning