Early Baroque
Early Baroque refers to the period in Western art music history from approximately 1600 to 1650. Characterized by the emergence of opera, the development of instrumental music, and the use of tonality as a structural framework, the Early Baroque saw composers such as Claudio Monteverdi, Giovanni Gabrieli, and Heinrich Schütz create innovative works that laid the foundation for the Baroque era. This period is known for its rich harmonies, expressive melodies, and dramatic contrasts in dynamics and texture.