Why do I (you) like Baroque music?

A good read, thanks Rob. It did get me thinking;

To me, the article almost presents a bit of a false dilemma; either Baroque music reflects the brutal reality of its time, or it’s a deceptive fantasy. But I don't know it works that way. Music of this era wasn’t meant to be a history lesson. So when you ask, "Was it a way to escape from the horrible time had by most?" -for me, not exactly. Most people who had regular access to this music weren’t common laborers, but that doesn’t mean the music itself was created as an illusion.

You suggest that Baroque music distorts the truth of its time, but I see it differently. It was crafted with immense discipline, and it makes sense that nobility, the church, and royalty were the main patrons, as much of it was written to serve them. Like you point out, it was primarily functional, often composed under strict patronage systems to meet the needs of employers rather than directly reflect everyday struggles. The ‘perfection’ we hear is the result of rigorous compositional practice IMO, not an effort to rewrite history. So, unlike most hyper-popular music we see the masses consuming today (which is typically meant to be an expression of oneself or the times) the material from this period was largely created to serve a different purpose.

You also suggest that using this music as an escape is almost dishonest—but why? No need to feel that way in my eyes. People have always used music to escape beyond suffering. For me, the appeal isn’t about pretending the time was idyllic, it’s more about appreciating the craftsmanship and discipline behind it. Is it superior than most modern, highly consumed music? Perhaps in its structure and the skill required to compose in the style yes. I think it is, but then we're on the ole' subjective side of things.

Hi David,

That is a nicely thought-out reply.

From my research, most people of the Baroque period never heard the music that we know as Baroque music. There was certainly folk and pop music of the time, and it wasn't the highly ornamented stuff we know as Baroque music.

Tavern Songs were popular in drinking houses, but outside that, people didn't go to music concerts; they were not allowed. The royals sure did, and what was played in curches was not for entertainment but for religious services.

The way we hear Baroque music today belies the social times of the period. Most Baroque music groups today are highly ornamented. The players who dressed up for royal concerts back then soon got into their working clothes after.

I think Baroque music today, presents a fake image of life back then. The vast majority were peasants; they didn't have time or the means to hear it.

The history lesson associated with Baroque groups, concerts, and when we hear it on the radio today masks the truth of the time. It's presented as a highly cultured experience, which wasn't the reality for the players or the people back then.

All the best,
Rob

Replies

David Lilly March 11, 2025 at 3:41pm

A good read, thanks Rob. It did get me thinking;

To me, the article almost presents a bit of a false dilemma; either Baroque music reflects the brutal reality of its time, or it’s a deceptive fantasy. But I don't know it works that way. Music of this era wasn’t meant to be a history lesson. So when you ask, "Was it a way to escape from the horrible time had by most?" -for me, not exactly. Most people who had regular access to this music weren’t common laborers, but that doesn’t mean the music itself was created as an illusion.

You suggest that Baroque music distorts the truth of its time, but I see it differently. It was crafted with immense discipline, and it makes sense that nobility, the church, and royalty were the main patrons, as much of it was written to serve them. Like you point out, it was primarily functional, often composed under strict patronage systems to meet the needs of employers rather than directly reflect everyday struggles. The ‘perfection’ we hear is the result of rigorous compositional practice IMO, not an effort to rewrite history. So, unlike most hyper-popular music we see the masses consuming today (which is typically meant to be an expression of oneself or the times) the material from this period was largely created to serve a different purpose.

You also suggest that using this music as an escape is almost dishonest—but why? No need to feel that way in my eyes. People have always used music to escape beyond suffering. For me, the appeal isn’t about pretending the time was idyllic, it’s more about appreciating the craftsmanship and discipline behind it. Is it superior than most modern, highly consumed music? Perhaps in its structure and the skill required to compose in the style yes. I think it is, but then we're on the ole' subjective side of things.
- Robert Kennedy > David Lilly March 11, 2025 at 4:19pm
  
  Hi David,
  
  That is a nicely thought-out reply.
  
  From my research, most people of the Baroque period never heard the music that we know as Baroque music. There was certainly folk and pop music of the time, and it wasn't the highly ornamented stuff we know as Baroque music.
  
  Tavern Songs were popular in drinking houses, but outside that, people didn't go to music concerts; they were not allowed. The royals sure did, and what was played in curches was not for entertainment but for religious services.
  
  The way we hear Baroque music today belies the social times of the period. Most Baroque music groups today are highly ornamented. The players who dressed up for royal concerts back then soon got into their working clothes after.
  
  I think Baroque music today, presents a fake image of life back then. The vast majority were peasants; they didn't have time or the means to hear it.
  
  The history lesson associated with Baroque groups, concerts, and when we hear it on the radio today masks the truth of the time. It's presented as a highly cultured experience, which wasn't the reality for the players or the people back then.
  
  All the best,
  Rob

This reply was deleted.

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