A Time of Experimentation

• Musicians embraced the idea that music could move the listener in a real and physical way.
  
• Opera, with its blend of music and drama, was the full realization of this ideal.
  
• In instrumental music, no less than in opera, composers experimented with ways of creating impressive effects.
  

Expanding Roles for Music

• Music continued to be used as an important tool of statecraft.
  
• The new and extravagant styles served as a rich adornment to religious services in both Catholic and Protestant traditions.
  
• Music, especially opera, was as an important source of entertainment to the growing merchant and landed classes.
  

A Growing Awareness of National Styles

• Distinct styles of both vocal and instrumental music developed in Italy, France and Germany.
  
• Composers were aware of these differences and made use of them in their music. A French composer, for example, might label a piece "In the Italian Style."
  
• The question of the superiority of various styles was often the subject of heated debate.
  

The Full Equality of Instrumental Music

• New instrumental forms, such as the concerto and sonata developed.
  
• Instrument makers created new types of instruments (especially wind instruments).
  
• The violin moved to center stage as the most important string instrument.
  
• Performers reached new heights of expression and technique. Virtuoso players (such as Archangelo Corelli and Antonio Vivaldi) reflected these abilities in their own compositions.
  
• Even in vocal music, instruments played an important role. Instruments not only served as accompaniment, but often played equal roles with the voices.