1. Baroque Composer Webquest

2. The Baroque Era • The Baroque Era spanned the 150 years from 1600 to 1750. • QUESTION ONE: In what century did the Baroque Era begin? • HELP SPOT!

3. Johann Sebastian Bach • Johann Sebastian Bach is considered by many music historians to be the most influential musical figure of the Baroque Era, and one of the most influential musical figures of all time. • So important he was to the Baroque Era, that the year of his death (1750) marks the end of the entire era!

4. Facts about J.S. Bach • QUESTION 2 – How many children did Bach have? • QUESTION 3 – What are Bach’s birth and death dates? • QUESTION 4 – Why did Bach spend time in jail? • QUESTION 5 – What country was Bach from? • QUESTION 6 – Was Bach’s musical genius recognized when he was living? • QUESTION 7 – How old did Bach live to be?

5. George Frederic Handel • How many of you have heard the famous “Halleluja Chorus” at Christmas time? Written by Handel, the “Messiah” is often what this composer is most well known for. Handel, however, had a much larger handle on the music world of the Baroque Era!

6. QUESTION 8 – Why do you assume Handel had to play his spinet in the attic? • QUESTION 9 – What is a barber surgeon, and who in George’s life chose this profession? • QUESTION 10 – Before becoming a professional musician, what did Handel study at college?

7. George Frederic Handel, cont. • QUESTION 11 – What is the tradition response from the audience during the playing of the “Halleluja Chorus” and who began this tradition? • QUESTION 12 – How old did Handel live to be? • QUESTION 13 – Given the number of people in attendance at his funeral, would you assume that Handel’s musical gifts were recognized and appreciated during his lifetime?

8. Antonio Vivaldi • While many of you may never have heard of Vivaldi, most of you would undoubtedly recognize themes from his famous “Four Seasons” which are used often for commercials on television. Vivaldi is the third and final outstanding musician of the Baroque Era we’ll be studying.

9. Antonio Vivaldi • QUESTION 14 – What nationality was Vivaldi? • QUESTION 15 – What was Vivaldi’s first chosen profession? • QUESTION 16 – How old did Vivaldi live to be? • QUESTION 17 – How would those who knew him describe Vivaldi’s personality?

10. J.S. Bach – listening response • QUESTION 18 • Listen to the Toccatta and Fugue by J.S. Bach, and using complete sentences, please answer the following questions: • What instruments do you hear? • What, if any, of the three characteristics of Baroque music does this piece possess? • How would you describe this song? (eg – happy, energetic, dark, sad, etc.).

11. G. F. Handle – listening response • QUESTION 19 • Listen to the Water Music, Royal Fireworks Suite by G.F. Handle, and using complete sentences, please answer the following questions: • What instruments do you hear? • What, if any, of the three characteristics of Baroque music does this piece possess? • How would you describe this song? (eg – happy, energetic, dark, sad, etc.).

12. Antonio Vivaldi – listening response • QUESTION 20 • Listen to Spring, by Antonio Vivaldi and, using complete sentences, please answer the following questions: • Have you ever heard this song before? If so, where? • What instruments do you hear? • What, if any, characteristics of Baroque Music does this piece possess? • In your own words, describe this song. (Happy, sad, etc.).