Developing in the 16th and 17th centuries, Baroque music was very innovative in the way that it used major and minor scales as opposed to just the conventional church modes. Music in this period often had one mood or theme throughout the whole song, not straying from the initial concept. Many instruments evolved or were invented during the Baroque period. As the Baroque focus on quiet chamber music faded, and larger, louder orchestral works were composed, quieter instruments were discarded in favor of louder counterparts. 

   Many of the forms identified with baroque music originated in Italy, including the cantata, concerto, sonata, oratorio and opera.