The OrchestraThe Orchestra

By Pablo CarbajoBy Pablo Carbajo

andandIñigo ItoizIñigo Itoiz

IndexIndex

The originThe origin Instruments and structureInstruments and structure Beginnings of baroque orchestra in France Beginnings of baroque orchestra in France

and Italyand Italy Baroque orchestras of todayBaroque orchestras of today

The OriginThe Origin

The The Baroque orchestraBaroque orchestra is the type of is the type of orchestra that existed during the Baroque orchestra that existed during the Baroque period, commonly identified as 1600-1750. period, commonly identified as 1600-1750. Its origins were in France where Jean Its origins were in France where Jean Baptiste Lully. Baptiste Lully.

Instruments and StructureInstruments and Structure

As well as violins and woodwinds, the As well as violins and woodwinds, the baroque orchestra contained continuo baroque orchestra contained continuo instruments such as the theorbo and instruments such as the theorbo and harpsicord. The baroque orchestra was harpsicord. The baroque orchestra was reasonably small with a maximum of thirty reasonably small with a maximum of thirty people. people.

Beginning in France and ItalyBeginning in France and Italy

During the Baroque Period (1600-1750), During the Baroque Period (1600-1750), instrumental music continued to be the instrumental music continued to be the privilege of the royal and aristocratic privilege of the royal and aristocratic households who had the means to employ households who had the means to employ full-time orchestras and composers. The full-time orchestras and composers. The only way a composer could earn a living only way a composer could earn a living was to be employed by some wealthy was to be employed by some wealthy patron, either a member of the aristocracy patron, either a member of the aristocracy or a leading church dignitary. or a leading church dignitary.

Baroque Orchestras TodayBaroque Orchestras Today

The term 'Baroque orchestra' is also The term 'Baroque orchestra' is also commonly used today to refer to chamber commonly used today to refer to chamber orchestras giving historically informed orchestras giving historically informed performances of baroque or classical on performances of baroque or classical on period instruments or replicas.period instruments or replicas.

The endThe end