Baroque Orchester – Sheet Music & Scores

The term baroque orchestra refers to the most common instrumentation of the larger instrumental ensembles of the Baroque Period. Browse our sheet music and scores, and explore all the joy of the baroque orchestra with Stretta Music today!

The Instruments of the Baroque Orchestra

The instrumentation of the baroque orchestra differs greatly from that of the modern symphony orchestra. In addition to the usual string instruments, the baroque orchestra includes a group of viola da gambas, the woodwind uses a diverse group of baroque oboes and various types of flutes, and the brass section has a range of period trumpets and trombones. The baroque orchestra usually consists of an average of up to twenty players, but much larger ensembles have been documented, comprising of up to 100 instruments.

In contrast to the modern orchestra, the Baroque orchestra consists of two components, the figured bass or basso continuo which is played by the fundament, consisting of cello, double bass, bassoon, lute, harpsichord, and organ, and the melody which is played by the upper melodic parts, the violin, flute, and oboe, amongst others. Brass instruments, particularly trumpets, and timpani are mainly used on festive occasions.

The Conductor

The conductor usually directs from the harpsichord or organ, like J.S. Bach, or leads from another instrument such as the violin, like Vivaldi. In France, in the Baroque Period, it was already common direct the orchestra with a staff, as did Lully with quite disastrous consequences! This was the birth of the modern-day baton.

More Links for the Baroque Orchestra

• J.S. Bach – Orchestral Sheet Music
• Vivaldi – Orchestral Sheet Music
• Handel – Orchestral Sheet Music
• Lully – Orchestral Sheet Music
• Corelli – Orchestral Sheet Music
• Scarlatti – Orchestral Sheet Music