Baroque and Classical period orchestral concertos and allegro movements

¶ … music and their relationship to either the Baroque or Classical Period. The two pieces of music to be analyzed are Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 by Karl Munchinger performed by the Stuttgart Chamber Orchestra and Jeffery Tate's Allegro con brio performed by the English Chamber Orchestra. A brief discussion of the comparison of the two periods of music will be presented to help contextualize the argument before describing both pieces as products of either of those periods.

Baroque Period Vs. Classical Period

The Baroque Period of Music began in 1600 and lasted until 1750. Philosophically, this period's music aligned with much of the social and intellectual enlightenment that was occurring at the same time. The musical styles of this era demonstrated complex layers of melody and appealed to an upper elite class of thought. The orchestra concept began in this period and large booming productions like many operas of the time are reminiscent of this era. The music style of Baroque is elaborate complex and far reaching.

The Classical Period of Music evolved out of the Baroque Period which began around 1750. This era was a throwback to earlier concepts of music and philosophically aligned itself with more classical themes. Proportion and beauty were standards many composers adopted and sought to maximize the form of music as opposed to the content. The musical scene in the classical period reflected the changes occurring in the society in which the music was being written. This was the first era in music history in which public concerts became an important part of the musical scene. Music was still being composed for the church and the court, but the advent of public concerts reflected the new view that music should be written for the enjoyment and entertainment of the common person. Symphonic arrangements demonstrating clear and identifiable tones is a very Classical period distinction.

Brandenburg Concerto No. 3

This piece of music is essentially Baroque Period music. The flourishing detail and busy counter melodies that permeate this piece demonstrate the frivolity and expansiveness symptomatic of this time period. The music drifts into different emotional themes, mostly uplifting, but dances around many different themes. This piece is wonderfully arranged and the players are emotionally attached much which is also a tradition of the Baroque Period.