Which instrument is commonly associated with the Baroque era?

The harpsichord is commonly associated with the Baroque era due to its prominence in the music of that time. This period, which spanned from approximately 1600 to 1750, was characterized by the elaborate ornamentation, counterpoint, and polyphonic textures that largely defined Baroque music. The harpsichord was a key instrument for composers such as Johann Sebastian Bach and George Frideric Handel, serving as both a solo instrument and a continuo instrument, providing harmonic support in ensemble settings.

During the Baroque era, the harpsichord's plucked string mechanism allowed for a unique sound that differentiated it from the later-developed piano, which became popular in the Classical period. The harpsichord's ability to produce vibrant sounds made it ideal for the expressive and intricate musical styles of the Baroque, fostering its integration into various forms of music including chamber works, orchestral pieces, and keyboard suites.

In contrast, the other instruments listed either emerged later or were not central to Baroque compositions. The piano, for example, gained prominence in the Classical era; the accordion was developed in the early 19th century; and the saxophone, invented in the mid-19th century, is not associated with the