<human>:  What is the history of the baroque period in western music?
<bot>: The Baroque period of Western music, which lasted from the late 1500s to the mid-1700s, is marked by intricate melodies and large-scale musical forms. During this period, composers such as Bach, Vivaldi, and Handel wrote the most iconic works of baroque music. These works were characterized by their complex counterpoint and stylized rhythms. In addition, composers of the Baroque period made frequent use of dance-like structures and forms, such as the gavotte, bourrée, allemande, and sarabande. The Baroque period also saw the emergence of the concerto, and many composers wrote sonatas, fugues, and other entertaining and danceable works. Though baroque music has since been replaced by other styles of music, including classical and romantic styles, it remains a popular part of the Western musical canon.