Which musical period is Handel associated with?

Handel is prominently associated with the Baroque period, which spans roughly from 1600 to 1750. This era is characterized by its expressive music, ornamentation, and the development of new forms, including the opera, oratorio, and concerto. Handel’s works embody these characteristics, particularly through his famous oratorios such as "Messiah" and his operas, which display intricate melodies and dramatic contrasts.

The Baroque period is also marked by the use of counterpoint and polyphony, techniques with which Handel was well-versed and applied beautifully in his compositions. His music often features bold contrasts in dynamics and textures, a hallmark of Baroque style, and he made significant contributions to the form and structure of opera and choral music during this time.

In contrast, the Classic period arose after the Baroque and is known for its clarity of structure and form, emphasizing balance and symmetry, which differ from the more ornate style of the Baroque. The Renaissance period predates the Baroque and is characterized by the flourishing of vocal music and the early development of harmony, while the Romantic period, which follows the Classical era, focuses more on expressing emotion and individualism.