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J. Anthony Allen

Welcome to the

This class is for anyone who has wondered about the origins of music, how it came to be, and where it came from. 

In this course we will look at the world during the start of the Baroque period (approximately 1600 - 1750), through the lens of music. This period brings us the beginnings of the Orchestra and Opera, as well as some names you might be familiar with: Bach, Vivaldi, and Handel.

100% Answer Rate. Every single question posted to this class is answered within 24 hours by the instructor.

This course will focus primarily on composers of the Baroque period, including: 

Read more

Welcome to the

This class is for anyone who has wondered about the origins of music, how it came to be, and where it came from. 

In this course we will look at the world during the start of the Baroque period (approximately 1600 - 1750), through the lens of music. This period brings us the beginnings of the Orchestra and Opera, as well as some names you might be familiar with: Bach, Vivaldi, and Handel.

100% Answer Rate. Every single question posted to this class is answered within 24 hours by the instructor.

This course will focus primarily on composers of the Baroque period, including: 

  • Corelli

  • Cristofori

  • JS Bach

  • Telemann

  • Handel

  • Sammartini

  • Vivaldi

  • Buxtehude

  • Farinelli

  • Rameau

  • Pachelbel

  • Jacquet de la Guerre

  • Couperin

  • The Bach Sons

  • Quantz

  • And much, much more.

I'm excited to invite my friend Dr. Tammy Evans to teach this class. Dr. Evans is a flutist, PhD in music and musicology, and decorated instructor.

While a lot of history courses focus on memorization, this is a course for those interested in immersing themselves in the music and culture. You won't find lists of dates to memorize here - this class is designed to be fun and enjoyable.

In this course, we will focus the entire course on the Baroque period. 

By the end of this course, if you follow along, you will be ready to win the dinner party with your knowledge of the Baroque and the unique aspects of the music that was happening during this exciting period of history.

Please click the "Take This Course" button so you can start learning about the history of music TODAY.

I guarantee that this course is the most thorough music history course available ANYWHERE on the market - or your money back (30-day money-back guarantee - as per Udemy policy)

Closed captions have been added to all lessons in this course.

Praise for Courses by Jason Allen:

⇢  "It seems like every little detail is being covered in an extremely simple fashion. The learning process becomes relaxed and allows complex concepts to get absorbed easily. My only regret is not taking this course earlier." - M. Shah

⇢  "Great for everyone without any knowledge so far. I bought all three parts... It's the best investment in leveling up my skills so far.." - Z. Palce

⇢  "Excellent explanations.  No more or less than what is needed." - A. Tóth

⇢  "VERY COOL. I've waited for years to see a good video course, now I don't have to wait anymore. Thank You. " - Jeffrey Koury

⇢  "I am learning LOTS.  And I really like having the worksheets. " - A. Deichsel

⇢  "The basics explained very clearly - loads of really useful tips. " - J. Pook

⇢  "Jason is really quick and great with questions, always a great resource for an online class. " M. Smith

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • In this course, students will learn about the music that was happening during the baroque, and the social and political environments that influenced it.
  • Students will learn how early opera was a keystone to baroque music.
  • Students will learn how songs developed all over europe simultaneously in germany, france, england, spain, and other countries.
  • This course is great for anyone who just loves music, history, and the history of music.

Syllabus

Introduction
Listening Examples in this Class
[DOWNLOAD] List of Listening Examples
Let's start with two of the three "C"s of the late Baroque: Corelli and Cristofori
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores the social and political environments that influenced Baroque music, offering a comprehensive understanding of the era's cultural context
Focuses on composers of the Baroque period, including Corelli, Cristofori, Bach, and Handel, providing a deep dive into their contributions
Examines the development of songs across Europe, highlighting the simultaneous musical evolution in Germany, France, England, and Spain
Features Dr. Tammy Evans, a flutist and musicologist, as the instructor, bringing expertise and experience to the course
Presents the beginnings of the Orchestra and Opera, which are foundational to Western musical traditions and performance
Requires parts 1-3 to be taken first, which may be a barrier for some learners who want to jump directly into the Baroque period

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Reviews summary

Engaging journey through late baroque music

According to learners, this course offers a largely positive experience delving into the Late Baroque period. Students consistently praise the instructor, Dr. Tammy Evans, for her expertise, engaging teaching style, and ability to make complex topics accessible and interesting. The course provides detailed coverage of key composers like Bach, Handel, and Vivaldi, offering valuable historical and cultural context alongside musical analysis. Many find the listening examples and supplemental materials particularly helpful for understanding the music. While it is Part 4 of a series, reviews suggest it works well as a standalone course focused specifically on the Baroque.
Follows previous history courses by the same creator.
"I've taken the previous parts and this one maintains the high standard."
"It's great that these history courses are available as a series."
"Even though it's Part 4, the focus on Baroque makes it accessible."
"Fits well into the larger 'Complete History' series structure."
Great for those interested in music history as a hobby.
"As a music lover, this course was perfect for deepening my appreciation of the Baroque."
"Enjoyable for anyone curious about the origins of classical music."
"Didn't require extensive prior knowledge, just an interest in the subject."
"Ideal for lifelong learners wanting to understand music's cultural context."
Audio examples enhance the learning experience.
"The inclusion of listening examples is crucial and greatly improves understanding."
"Hearing the music discussed really makes the history concrete and enjoyable."
"Loved being directed to specific pieces to illustrate points made in the lectures."
"The list of listening examples was very helpful for following along."
In-depth look at key figures of the Late Baroque.
"Excellent coverage of the major composers of the Baroque era like Bach, Handel, and Vivaldi."
"The course provides a great overview and deeper dives into figures important to the period."
"Learned so much about composers I only knew by name before, like Corelli and Telemann."
"Good balance between famous names and lesser-known but important composers."
Dr. Tammy Evans is highly praised for her teaching.
"Dr. Evans is a fantastic teacher. She explains things very clearly and with enthusiasm."
"Really enjoyed Dr. Evans' approach to the material; she made the history come alive."
"The lecturer is very knowledgeable and makes the topics easy to understand and interesting."
"I appreciate the clear explanations and passion the instructor brings to the subject."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in The Complete History of Music, Part 4: The Late Baroque with these activities:
Review Early Baroque Composers
Solidify your understanding of the transition from Renaissance to Baroque music by reviewing key early Baroque composers and their innovations.
Show steps
  • Research composers like Monteverdi.
  • Listen to examples of their work.
  • Compare their styles to later Baroque composers.
Read 'Music in the Baroque' by Manfred Bukofzer
Gain a deeper understanding of the Baroque era by reading a comprehensive text that covers its key figures and musical developments.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Music in the Baroque Era'.
  • Read the chapters relevant to the course syllabus.
  • Take notes on key concepts and composers.
Create a Timeline of Late Baroque Composers
Reinforce your knowledge of the Late Baroque period by creating a visual timeline of its major composers and their key works.
Show steps
  • Research the birth and death dates of Late Baroque composers.
  • Identify their most important compositions.
  • Create a visual timeline using online tools or software.
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Analyze Baroque Fugues
Improve your understanding of Baroque counterpoint by analyzing the structure and techniques used in fugues by Bach and Handel.
Show steps
  • Select several fugues by Bach and Handel.
  • Identify the subject, answer, and countersubject.
  • Trace the development of the subject throughout the fugue.
Explore 'The Oxford History of Western Music, Vol. 2: The Seventeenth and Eighteenth Centuries'
Deepen your understanding of the Baroque era with a critical and comprehensive historical analysis.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of the book.
  • Focus on chapters related to the Late Baroque.
  • Consider Taruskin's interpretations of key composers and trends.
Create a Presentation on a Baroque Composer
Solidify your knowledge and presentation skills by creating a presentation on a specific Baroque composer covered in the course.
Show steps
  • Choose a composer from the course syllabus.
  • Research their life, works, and influence.
  • Prepare a presentation with visuals and audio examples.
  • Practice delivering the presentation.

Career center

Learners who complete The Complete History of Music, Part 4: The Late Baroque will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Music Historian
A music historian researches and documents the development of music across different eras and cultures. This course, with its detailed exploration of the Late Baroque period, provides a solid foundation for a music historian. One will learn about the influential composers of the time, like Bach and Handel, and the cultural context that shaped their music. The course mentions that students will learn about the social and political environments that influenced Baroque music. This course may prove useful for anyone interested in becoming a music historian.
Music Teacher
A music teacher shares a passion for music with students of all ages. This course helps one learn about the history of music. In this course, learners will explore the Late Baroque period and the composers that defined it, such as Bach, Handel, and Vivaldi. For a music teacher, knowing the historical context of different musical periods helps students understand the evolution of musical styles and techniques. This course may be valuable for any aspiring music teacher.
Orchestral Musician
An orchestral musician plays an instrument in an orchestra, interpreting and performing classical music from various periods. This course explores the Late Baroque period, which saw the beginnings of the orchestra. Knowing the works of Corelli and Vivaldi, covered in the course, is helpful for an orchestral musician. Understanding the development of the orchestra and the music written for it in the Baroque period helps them bring historical awareness to their performance. This course is useful for one who wants to be an orchestral musician.
Opera Singer
An opera singer performs vocal pieces in operas, requiring a deep understanding of musical history and style. Opera, a cornerstone of Baroque music, is covered in this course. Learning about the works of composers like Handel and Vivaldi, prominent figures in Baroque opera, is useful for an opera singer. A deep knowledge of the composer's life can help one connect more deeply with the music. This course is helpful for someone who wants to be an opera singer.
Conductor
A conductor leads an orchestra or other musical ensemble, interpreting and directing performances of classical and contemporary music. The course will help a conductor understand the historical context and stylistic elements of Baroque music. Learning about the works of Bach, Handel, and Vivaldi helps a conductor guide their musicians in delivering historically informed and expressive performances. This course may be useful to a conductor.
Choir Director
A choir director leads and instructs a group of singers, often performing pieces from various historical periods. This course explores the Late Baroque era, featuring composers like Bach and Handel, whose works are frequently performed by choirs. Learning about the historical context and stylistic elements of Baroque music helps a choir director guide their singers in delivering authentic and expressive performances. It may be useful for a choir director to take this course.
Music Critic
A music critic evaluates and analyzes musical performances and recordings, often with a focus on historical context and artistic merit. This course, with its coverage of the Late Baroque period and composers like Bach and Handel, helps inform a music critic's understanding of this era. The course prepares one to discuss and analyze music. This course could be useful for an aspiring music critic.
Music Arranger
A music arranger adapts existing musical compositions for different ensembles or instruments. This course explores the Late Baroque period, providing a foundation in harmonic and melodic conventions. Composers of the Baroque era such as Bach wrote for harpsichord. Understanding the works of composers like Bach and Handel allows a music arranger to create historically informed and stylistically appropriate arrangements. This course may prove helpful to a music arranger.
Music Librarian
A music librarian organizes and manages collections of musical scores, recordings, and related materials. This course, with its detailed exploration of the Late Baroque period, is useful for a music librarian. Understanding the works of different composers, as covered in the course, helps a music librarian categorize and preserve these resources effectively. The course covers composers such as Bach and Handel. This course may be helpful for one who wants to become a music librarian.
Arts Administrator
An arts administrator oversees the operations and management of arts organizations, such as orchestras or opera houses. This course, which covers the emergence of opera and the orchestra, helps an arts administrator understand the historical context and artistic significance of these musical forms. Knowing about the works of composers like Bach and Handel provides a foundation for making informed decisions about programming and funding. This course may be helpful for an arts administrator.
Museum curator
A museum curator manages and interprets collections of musical instruments and artifacts. This course, focusing on the Late Baroque period, helps one understand the context and significance of musical instruments and compositions from that era. Learning about Cristofori, the inventor of the piano, which is covered in this course, is helpful for a museum curator. It could be useful to take this course if one wishes to be a museum curator.
Music Journalist
A music journalist writes about music-related topics for newspapers, magazines, or online publications. This course provides context on Baroque music. Learning about Corelli and Vivaldi, as covered in the course, may be useful. The course may provide a deeper understanding of music, a skill needed by a music journalist.
Ethnomusicologist
An ethnomusicologist studies the music of different cultures, often focusing on the historical and social context of musical traditions; an advanced degree like a master's or phd is typically needed. While this course primarily focuses on the Late Baroque period in Europe, it may help one understand the historical and cultural factors that influenced the music of that time. Ethnomusicologists need a deep knowledge of music history. This course may be useful to someone who wants to become an ethnomusicologist.
Historical Instrument Maker
A historical instrument maker crafts replicas of instruments from specific periods. This course on the Late Baroque period helps by offering insights into the construction methods. By understanding the compositions of Bach, Handel, and Vivaldi, the instrument maker can better understand the instruments that created these sounds. The course mentions Cristofori and his invention of the piano. This course may be useful to a historical instrument maker.
Sound Engineer
A sound engineer records, mixes, and masters music. While this course focuses on the history of music, understanding the nuances of different musical periods, including the Late Baroque, may help a sound engineer. The course mentions different composers such as Bach and Handel. This course may be useful to a sound engineer.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in The Complete History of Music, Part 4: The Late Baroque.
Bukofzer's book classic and highly respected survey of Baroque music. It covers the major composers, genres, and stylistic developments of the period, including those emphasized in the course. It valuable resource for students seeking a deeper understanding of the musical characteristics of the Late Baroque. is often used as a textbook in university courses.
This volume of Taruskin's comprehensive history provides an in-depth analysis of the musical developments of the 17th and 18th centuries. It offers a critical perspective on the Baroque period, challenging conventional interpretations. is more valuable as additional reading than it is as a current reference. It provides additional depth to the existing course.

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