Taking place between 1600 and 1750, the era of baroque music was an astonishing, inventive and founding period of classical music. After the Renaissance, the Baroque period precedes the Classical era. Originating from the Italian word “Barocco,” meaning bizarre or exuberant, the title of the Baroque period was well suited to its composers and music (baroquemusic.org). Many instruments used by Baroque composers and musicians reached their peak during this period. Using all of these instruments, the famous musicians of the Baroque era were able to create the masterpieces for which they are famous. The influences of Baroque music on the culture of the time and even to the present day have had a lasting effect on history. To create their music, Baroque musicians used many common instruments of the time. There are four main categories of instruments; the brass section, keyboards, strings and winds. Although some of these instruments are now familiar, others are not. The trumpet, horn and sackbut are part of the brass section. Predating the modern trombone, the saquebute was used from the mid-15th to the 18th century. The harpsichord and the organ are the two instruments of the keyboard section. Similar to a piano, the strings of a harpsichord are plucked to produce sound without tonal variation. The harpsichord was used from the early Baroque period until the 19th century. With more instruments than any other category, the string section includes the violin, viola, cello, viol, double bass, harp and lute, these are very similar to the orchestral instruments we have today, except for the lute which looks like a guitar. Finally, the winds included flute, oboe, bass...... middle of paper ...... complex but orderly baroque music is. Future composers often revisited the fundamental forms of the Baroque period and modified them as they wrote their own compositions. With its many instruments and some of the most famous composers of all time, the Baroque musical period is considered one of the most influential and famous eras of classical music. Although limited by the communication of the time, Baroque music and musicians spread new ideas across the continent. Examining the Baroque musical era, we see that it was a flourishing time of music and culture. Works Cited “A style of classical music from 1600 to 1750.” Baroque music. Accessed 01/07/14 on [http://www.baroque-music.com/index.html]Sartorius, Michael. “Welcome to the wonderful world of baroque music.” Baroque music. Consulted on 01/07/14 on [http://www.baroquemusic.org/]