Baroque for New Years…
Yesterday I joined some friends for a Spanish Baroque classical music concert, and I found it oddly fitting for January 1st. The Baroque music period spanned roughly 1600 to 1750 in Europe. It was a time of growth and prosperity, a time when art and artists could thrive through the cosmopolitan and philanthropic sensibilities of the wealthy. Possibly the most famous piece from this era is Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons, with a delightful expression of Winter. If you’ve any interest in classical music you’re probably familiar with other notable composers from the period, such as Bach and Handel, and even if those names don’t ring a bell, undoubtably you’ve heard their work.
Cozy music…
As I sat listening to the violins, vocalists, strings, and organ I asked myself what is it about this style of music that so suits a January wintery mood? Generally Baroque music summons pastoral imagery – thoughts of idyllic Shire-like landscapes complete with rolling green hills and little white sheep or late-spring gardens in full bloom. These are hardly the images of winter, nevertheless Baroque music suits the snowy season. I think it’s because the compositions were arranged for smallish gatherings, or, as my friend put it, chamber music. It’s a style of music best experienced with good company in warm candle lit rooms. While it calls forth warmth through the mood of the music the essence of the music was designed for a cheerful interior almost intimate experience, that is to say, a perfect winter experience.
Putting on some Baroque music at home post-concert brought some life into the stillness of the evening. It’s excellent music for creativity, resting, working, or relaxing as I did yesterday evening indulging far too long in completing a puzzle I got from a white elephant gift exchange. It’s incredibly versatile music and it carries a lightness without being empty, silly, or dull. I can’t recommend it enough for a January mood booster!
And now to end this post a little early, for the puzzle kept me going far too late into the evening, and I have rather run out of time.
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