Baroque Era Guitar History
c. 1600 CE - 1750 CE
The Baroque period saw significant developments in guitar design and playing techniques. The most notable development was the emergence of the five-course guitar, which became the standard form of the instrument during this era.
Key features of the Baroque guitar included:
- Five courses of strings, with the top string sometimes single
- A smaller body than modern guitars
- Ornate decorations, especially on instruments for nobility
- The use of gut strings
The guitar during this period was used in both solo and accompaniment roles, and its popularity spread across Europe, particularly in France, Italy, and Spain.
Key Developments
Playing Techniques
The Baroque period saw the development of new playing techniques, including the use of strumming patterns known as 'battuto' and the refinement of plucking techniques.
Notation
Tablature remained popular, but staff notation began to be used more frequently for guitar music. This period also saw the development of the 'alfabeto' system for notating chords.
Repertoire
A rich repertoire of solo and accompaniment music was developed, including works by composers such as Gaspar Sanz, Robert de Visée, and Francesco Corbetta.
Five-Course Guitar Emerges
The five-course guitar becomes the standard, replacing the four-course Renaissance guitar.
Development of Notation Systems
New notation systems are developed specifically for the Baroque guitar.
Late Baroque Guitar
The guitar continues to evolve in the late Baroque period, setting the stage for Classical era developments.
Notable Baroque Guitar Composers
Gaspar Sanz
Spanish composer and guitarist (1640-1710)
Published "Instrucción de Música sobre la Guitarra Española" (1674), a comprehensive method book containing numerous compositions and technical instructions.
Francesco Corbetta
Italian composer and guitarist (1615-1681)
Known as "the greatest guitarist of his time," he served in several European courts and published multiple books of guitar music using mixed tablature.
Robert de Visée
French composer and guitarist (c.1655-1732)
Court guitarist to Louis XIV, published two books of guitar music and adapted works by contemporaries like Lully and Couperin for the guitar.
Baroque Guitar Music and Instruments
Page from Gaspar Sanz's 'Instrucción de Música sobre la Guitarra Española' (1674)
Highly decorated Baroque guitar with inlays and carvings (c. 1680)
Painting depicting a Baroque court performance featuring the guitar (c. 1700)
The Guitar in Baroque Music
During the Baroque era, the guitar was used in various musical contexts:
- As a solo instrument, often playing complex polyphonic music
- For accompaniment in vocal music, including in opera
- In chamber music, often paired with other instruments
- For popular and dance music
The guitar's role in Baroque music helped to establish it as a versatile instrument capable of both melodic and harmonic roles.
Legacy of the Baroque Guitar
The developments of the Baroque period had a lasting impact on guitar design and playing. The five-course guitar paved the way for the six-string guitar that would emerge in the Classical period. Many of the playing techniques and musical forms developed during this time continue to influence guitar music to this day.
The transition from Baroque to Classical would see further standardization of the guitar's design and playing techniques, setting the stage for the instrument's continued evolution.