Classical music is usually divided into discrete periods which aim to capture something of a prevailing style and approach of composers in Europe at a given time. But what do we really mean by these labels? In this day-course, we will attempt to define and explore the Baroque era. How and why did music change following the Renaissance period? What innovations did the Baroque composers bring and why have the biggest names remained such favourites, hundreds of years later?

We’ll explore the emergent forms of sonata, concerto and opera along with the musical techniques that enabled such beauty and vitality to take shape in the great works. And along the way, we’ll listen to gorgeous music by Monteverdi, Strozzi, Vivaldi, Handel, JS Bach and many others.