When is something (a masterpiece, a play, an opera, a system) Baroque? Baroque=Complex? Baroque today?

Question

Let's assume that the baroque is a state of systems that emerges through specific patterns when there is a struggle for synthesis (for instance, when there is a process of colonization or intensive cross-cultural exchanges). Then we would be able to explain why Baroque moves from some places to others or why there is a prevading Neobaroque effect in today's world, even if the Baroque period ended by normal standards a couple of centuries ago. If the Baroque is not just a style, confined to certain chronological limits and specific geographical areas, but somehting else (what?), we would understand the use of the term Baroque to talk about certain forms and phenomena in nature, in systems, in behaviors, etc.

Answer 1

Baroque refers to the period of time following the middle ages. The Baroque periode was characterized by living life to the fullest. Typically someone is baroqe when the are hopelessly in love.

Answer 2

Baroque? That's a native from the Philippines... oppss 'twas barok, not baroque.

Well, baroque is a style/art/fad from the period of early 17th century to the middle of 18th century in European regions. You cannot assume it for anything, but you can resurface it and bring it out on today's world as a form of fashion.

The use of the term baroque in any cases is bringing out or citing to a phenomenon/style/art/expression...and more... as a comparison of what has currently occured.

Answer 3

It may be helpful to distinguish the two discrete uses of the term baroque. One, as you rightly say, implies complexity, and that perhaps in the sense used by Ravel where he describes his own music as "Complexe, mais pas complique."

The more narrowly defined technical use, often capitalized is, as again you note, generally applied to a specific period - though "form of expression" might be more reasonable here, since Leipzig in 1740 must surely be included, by which time Rome could hardly be regarded as fundamentally Baroque, and the Counter-reformation which provided much of the impetus to the movement had become something other.

Whilst it is a truism to say that similar distinctions could be drawn between divergent uses of the terms Classical and Romantic, these remain useful portmanteau words - which demonstrate their greater usefulness insofar as they evade precise definitions.

Your analysis of the forces which gave rise to Baroque forms of expression, however, are not exclusive. Similar patterns of expansion and exchange could be said to have led both to the Enlightenment project and to Nineteenth century imperialism.

Is it not the case that a desire for synthesis is not the first effect of cultural encounter, but is preceded by a more basic intent to communicate? Further, such communication is likely in its first instances to be confused by the misinterpretation of surface features, such that any attempt at synthesis will be largely superficial, since the underlying structures are as yet inaccessible.

True synthesis is a relatively late development in cultural exchange. This itself is a significant admission where we are currently presented with the failure of multi-culturalism in Europe at least.

To conclude: I think you may be on to something in tracing the effect you describe as Neobaroque, and that term would seem preferable, if only to avoid serpentine re-definitions, when treating of modern artistic elements.

Answer 4

Wow,This question really went for BAROQUE!

Answer 5

If it's not Baroque, don't fix it!

Answer 6

this question would be a lot better if it made sense...