14.1 The revival of Baroque music in the 19th and 20th centuries

The Baroque music revival brought forgotten masterpieces back to life. Key figures like Mendelssohn and Landowska championed works by Bach and other Baroque composers, reigniting interest in this rich musical era.

This revival wasn't just about rediscovery. It sparked new performance practices, inspired modern composers, and reshaped music education. The movement's impact continues to influence how we understand and appreciate classical music today.

Key Figures and Factors in the Baroque Music Revival

Key figures in Baroque revival

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• Felix Mendelssohn revived interest in Bach's music through performances of the St. Matthew Passion in 1829, bringing Bach's works back into the public consciousness
• Robert Franz edited and published Baroque vocal works, making them more accessible to performers and audiences, thus increasing their popularity and reach
• Albert Schweitzer, an organist, theologian, and medical missionary, wrote influential books on Bach's life and music, providing insights into the composer's works and increasing scholarly interest
• Wanda Landowska, a harpsichordist, championed the revival of the instrument and performed Baroque keyboard works, demonstrating the unique sound and capabilities of the harpsichord (e.g., Bach's Goldberg Variations)
• Arnold Dolmetsch, an instrument maker and performer, promoted the use of historical instruments in Baroque music performances, leading to a more authentic recreation of Baroque sound (e.g., viola da gamba, recorder)

Factors for renewed Baroque interest

• Romanticism and the interest in the past drove Romantic-era composers and musicians to seek inspiration from earlier musical styles and forms, leading to a rediscovery of Baroque music (e.g., Mendelssohn's Bach revivals)
• Nationalism and the rediscovery of national musical heritage motivated countries such as Germany and England to promote their own musical traditions, including Baroque composers like Bach and Handel
• Advances in musicology and historical research enabled scholars to study and publish critical editions of Baroque musical scores and treatises, making them more accessible and accurate for performance and study
• Technological advancements in printing and publishing improved methods of printing and distributing musical scores, making Baroque works more widely available to musicians and music enthusiasts

Impact and Significance of the Baroque Music Revival

Impact of early music movement

• Historically informed performance (HIP) practices emerged as musicians began to use period instruments and techniques to recreate the sound and style of Baroque music (e.g., using gut strings, lower pitch, and more ornamentation)
  • Scholarly research informed performance decisions, such as ornamentation, tempo, and articulation, leading to more authentic interpretations of Baroque works
• Musicologists produced critical editions of Baroque scores, correcting errors and providing historical context, enabling more accurate performances and deeper understanding of the music
• The revival led to a greater appreciation and understanding of composers such as Bach, Handel, and Vivaldi, with their works becoming more frequently performed and studied

Significance of Baroque revival

• The rediscovery of Baroque works enriched the repertoire and provided new material for performers and audiences, expanding the scope of classical music
• 20th-century composers, such as Stravinsky and Shostakovich, drew inspiration from Baroque forms and techniques, incorporating elements like counterpoint and dance forms into their compositions
• Specialized groups and events dedicated to performing Baroque music emerged, such as the Academy of Ancient Music and the Boston Early Music Festival, creating new opportunities for musicians and audiences to engage with this repertoire
• The study of Baroque music became an essential part of music history curricula and academic research, deepening our understanding of this crucial period in music history and its influence on subsequent generations of composers and performers