STARTING POINT

"Baroque music could very well be the beginning of a beautiful storm, one that, even after all this time, has yet to end."


Hello again, 

THE BAROQUE
Baroque music is the closest to my heart than any other style. Both, its ingenuity and its complexity make it one of the most interesting and beautiful to listen to. From simple keyboard works to grand opera productions, the Baroque period continues to extend its influence to this day. Lasting from around 1600 to 1750, it remains one of the longest periods in music history.

A whole century and a half full of music _ much of it, understandably, remains unexplored. I compare the baroque period to the oceans. It is often said that scientist know more about the planets and the stars than they do about the vast bodies of salt water on our own planet. Likewise, the music of the Baroque still hides treasures underneath its surface.  


GRAUPNER
Christoph Graupner lived in this exciting time. Born on January 13th, 1683, he was a very prolific composer, celebrated for his passion and love of music. Why not then, take advantage of his wonderful compositions and be inspire? Without over analyzing the music, one can already learn a lot about the character of the composer simply by listening to his original works.

The piano part of this duet was inspired by "Intrada", a piece by Graupner found in Easy Classics to Moderns, Vol 17 _ a book that brings back so many good memories. The baroque section of that collection spark the impulse to go back 300 years to the starting point, and touch the genius of C. Graupner. 


COPIED, USED OR BORROWED
When I composed this duet, I wanted to create an honest sound_ vivid and real_ infused with contemporary pop-inspired chords and patterns. The result is a delicate and emotional piece that has since become a favorite. The warm melody of Intrada pointed me toward the right direction of my own piece.

Baroque composers often copied the melodies of other musicians_ a common practice at the time, with no legal repercussions. In fact, it seems composers felt honored when their melodies were borrowed or included in new works. Handle, for his part, was well known for recycling his own music, transforming it into something new. 

Pop contemporary artist have borrowed complete classical melody lines in their recordings_ sometimes in full, other times slightly altered or discreetly modified. Since classical music is in the public domain, anyone can use these works without permission. Yet, no one can ever fully own them


AN INVITATION
Going back to Graupner _ according to his biography, he lived without much concern for posterity. A man of great humility, he even requested that all his music be destroyed after his death. He passed away in 1760, and although his works were kept, most of them are still overlooked in the world of Baroque music.

I invite you to listen to the music of this great Baroque composer. A vast number of his compositions are available _ so go ahead, be adventurous, and explore something, that perhaps, may be completely unknown to you. Step out of your comfort zone; I assure you, the smile on your face will be impossible to avoid.

Thanks for reading!

Music INFORMATION:

  • Key: C Major/A Minor
  • Parts: Cello and Piano
  • Duration: 2:40 min
  • Measures: 49
  • Pages: 4

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