Ideal for undergraduate music majors, graduate students in music, and interested musicians and instructors, this introductory text covers European music from 1600 through 1750. In contrast to other books on the subject-which focus on historical information instead of on the music itself-Music of the Baroque offers a focused examination of approximately fifty selected works from several of the principal traditions of the period. It discusses representative works from each tradition, placing them within their larger historical contexts. Music of the Baroque first considers vocal works, both sacred and secular, and then looks at instrumental music. It offers models for both musical criticism and analysis in a variety of compositional styles. The book also provides substantial discussions of original instrumentation and performance practices for many works. Schulenberg analyzes familiar works like Monteverdi's Orfeo and a Bach cantata and also discusses lesser-known compositions-including several works by women composers. The opening and closing chapters on late Renaissance and galant music provide bridges to earlier and later periods of European music history. Music of the Baroque is enhanced by several pedagogical aids including synopses of operatic works, biographical timelines for major composers, numerous illustrations, musical examples, and analytical tables. Technical terms are highlighted the first time they appear in the text, and carefully formulated definitions of each new concept are provided.