The Baroque period is the time when the solo and trio sonata became a fixed form, the orchestra was born, opera kicked off in a big way, and the concerto gave string and wind soloists the chance to display their prodigious skills. From its beginnings in the early 1600s to when the Classical era began to take over in the mid 1700s, the sound of the Baroque remained distinct – colorful, ornate, and increasingly emotive as the epoch went on. Learn more about the composers to be heard (some of whom lived and worked during the time of the horrific Bubonic Plague of 1720), their music, and instruments from the “Age of the Baroque.” The primary focus of the lecture will be on specific musical offerings of this season and some curious intersections between Bach, Vivaldi and Handel amongst others.