What was a hallmark of the Baroque era in music?

The hallmark of the Baroque era in music is indeed the use of ornaments and embellishments. This period, which spanned from approximately 1600 to 1750, was characterized by an expressive style that sought to convey heightened emotion and drama. Musicians and composers employed various techniques to enhance the musical line, including trills, turns, and mordents. These ornamentations not only adorned melodies but also provided performers with the creative freedom to interpret the music in a personal way, highlighting the virtuosity and skill of the individual musician.

In contrast, simplicity and minimalism are more associated with later musical movements, particularly in the 20th century, where the focus shifted towards stripping away complex textures. The emphasis on orchestration over vocal parts does not accurately reflect the Baroque's significant focus on vocal music, especially through forms like opera and cantata where the human voice was paramount. Although the use of dissonance is indeed present in Baroque music, it serves more as a means to create tension and resolution rather than being a defining characteristic of the era. The intricate modulation and treatment of dissonance found in works from this time period were often linked to the expressive qualities sought by composers and remain secondary to the prominent focus on ornate melodic