What musical period is marked by limited use of dynamic and expression markings?

The Baroque period, which spanned from approximately 1600 to 1750, is characterized by a distinct style of music that often featured a more rigid structure and limited use of dynamic and expressive markings compared to later periods. Composers of this era, such as J.S. Bach and George Frideric Handel, typically relied on a preset dynamic range, often using techniques such as terraced dynamics, where volume would shift abruptly rather than gradually. This contrasts significantly with the Romantic period, which is noted for its expressive markings and emphasis on individual emotion. Similarly, the Classical period introduced greater clarity and balance, yet still did not emphasize dynamic markings to the extent found in Romantic music. The 20th and 21st centuries brought an explosion of diverse styles and expressive techniques, further moving away from the limited dynamic usage of the Baroque. Thus, the correct identification of the Baroque period underlines its unique characteristics of simplicity in dynamics and expression, setting it apart from the other musical periods mentioned.