How can I tell the difference between music from the Baroque and Classical eras? (GCSE)

Baroque music is far more ornate than that of the classical era with less regular phrasing. Baroque music also uses a more polyphonic texture than classical music, meaning there are more interweaving lines being played simultaneously. The instrumentation is often a giveaway, baroque music will usually have a very audible basso continuo being played on the harpsichord, organ or cello from beginning to end. Alternatively, if you look at the instrumentation of classical music, the orchestra had grown by that point in time so and instruments such as french horns, for example, can usually be heard.

Answered by Oonagh T. Music tutor

7055 Views

See similar Music GCSE tutors

Related Music GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Describe what is meant by the following musical textures: 1) homophonic, 2) polyphonic, 3) call and response.


Listen to the following: https://youtu.be/YKsQOpTTd7w - what is the instrumentation (outlining the solo instrument), what is the tonality, from what type of work was this likely taken, when might it have been written, and who is a possible composer?


Why would a piece in from the Baroque period not have any tempo or dynamic markings on the score?


How does sonata form work?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences