THE BAROQUE ERA
• In the late 16th century, when Renaissance polyphony was
prevalent, new developments in Italy were beginning to
change the sound and structure of music.
• Important 17th-century innovation changed the fluid style of
much late Renaissance music into one marked by numerous
contrasting elements; it was known concer to they favored
less intricate compositions marked by frequent emotional
contrasts, a readily understandable text, and an interplay of
various voices and instruments.