Baroque music in Catholic churches

Abstract

Music in the liturgy was always a concern for the Catholic Church, even during the Baroque era. Though choirmasters in churches and cathedrals were masters of music, the music they composed and performed during liturgical functions was not always loyal towards the ecclesiastical norms that were in force during the Baroque Era. The musical conservatories from which these masters received their musical formation provided tuition according to the style of music that was developed during that era, namely Baroque music (in all its phases). This style of music was normally used as a means of entertainment in theatres, banquets and other secular occasions from which musicians and composers used to earn a living.