Baroque orchestra

A Baroque orchestra refers to a musical ensemble popular in the Baroque period, roughly from 1600 to 1750. It typically features strings, woodwinds, brass, and sometimes percussion, with strings being the core. Composers like Bach and Vivaldi wrote for these orchestras, which emphasized harmony, contrast, and expressive melodies. Instruments such as the harpsichord often provided a "continuo" foundation, supporting the music’s structure. Baroque orchestras were known for their lively, ornate sound and played a crucial role in developing Western classical music. The style is characterized by elaborate ornamentation and a focus on emotional expression.