Italian Baroque music

Italian Baroque music, spanning roughly from 1600 to 1750, is characterized by its emotional expression, elaborate ornamentation, and contrast. Composers like Vivaldi and Monteverdi embraced new forms, such as opera and the concerto, combining vocal and instrumental elements. The use of figured bass allowed for improvisation, creating a rich harmonic foundation. The music often features dramatic shifts in dynamics and tempo, capturing the grandeur and intensity of the Baroque era. This style laid the groundwork for later developments in Western classical music, influencing composers across Europe.