The term “Spanish Baroque” refers to a period from the late 1500s to the early 1700s in Spain. Art, music, literature, and architecture were all influenced the Baroque period. Spanish Baroque refers to works created specifically Spanish artists and composers. The Baroque period’s main style popularized religious themes and incorporated nature into the arts.
Some consider this period to be the pinnacle of Spanish painting. Landscapes and images were faithfully reproduced in Spanish Baroque paintings, using true colors and proper tone. Not only was light used to highlight forms, but it was also used as a religious tool. Some Spanish painters were thought to have paved the way for naturalistic painting.
Religious themes were a major theme during this time period. Some of the paintings depicted court scenes as well as private moments. During this time, many royal portraits were also commissioned. Francisco de Herrera the Elder, Juan de las Roelas, and Jose de Ribera are among the most famous Spanish Baroque painters.
A baroque architectural style emerged during this time period, in addition to art and painting. In Madrid, brick was used to rebuild the buildings and areas that Napoleon had destroyed. The Churrigueresque style, created the Churriguera family, spread throughout Spain. Columns, central elements, obelisks, and ornamental decoration on buildings were all used in this style of architecture.
Spanish Baroque music is defined as a fusion of the polyphonic music style popular in Spain and the styles popularized French composers. During this time, Spanish composers visited France, and French composers visited Spain. Throughout the 1600s, Spanish music had a huge influence.
Composition for solo instruments, particularly the vihuela, a guitar-like instrument, and the organ, was popular during this time. The new musical style was based on themes and variations that recurred throughout compositions. As many Spanish composers trained in Italy and Italian composers trained in Spain, these elements were closely linked to Italian music of the time.
During this time, the villancico style flourished in particular. This is characterized the incorporation of folk or popular music elements into classical music. Dialects, syncopated rhythms, and ethnic influences were all frequently incorporated into the music. One of the few distinct styles to emerge from the Spanish Baroque period is this.
Several writing styles were used in literature at this time that had never been used before. Disappointment and pessimism arose as a result of modern societies’ failure to live up to Renaissance ideals, as well as social inequality and war. As a means of commenting on the current state of affairs, Spanish writers have turned to satire, escapism, moralizing, and stoicism.