They were sung by peasants as well as by the upper classes, and by professional musicians. The performance could be by soloists or by groups, with or without the accompaniment of musical instruments. The repertory included both poetry and prose, and subject matter that varied to match every type of occasion.
Not only one way to perform music of this period; much freedom is allowed. Little or no distinction is found between instrumental and vocal styles; they are usually interchangeable. Need considerable knowledge of style, original instruments, etc.
In the Baroque period, composers expected musicians to add ornamentation, including trills, mordents, turns, appoggiaturas, grace notes, passing tones, etc. Use of vibrato was also considered an ornament. In addition to adding ornamentations, performers were expected to improvise, especially on cadences.0
