Imagine a music concert in the 18 th century , before the time of Beethoven , Tchaikovsky or Mahler . The melody lines , chords and concert venue atmosphere were different ― it was only after the 19 th century that ordinary people began to enjoy performances at large concert halls . Before that , classical music was for high society . Above all , musical instruments were a little different . Two Baroque music specialists are visiting Korea with their interpretations of Baroque music and instruments . The first to arrive is Sigiswald Kuijken , dubbed the godfather of Baroque music , who will perform Bach ’ s Cantata at Bangbae Cathedral in southern Seoul together with Bach Solisten Seoul , a choral group , on Thursday . The master of Baroque music is famous for using the old technique of putting the violin on the shoulder without a shoulder rest and restoring the violoncello da spalla , the early form of cello , to capture the original atmosphere of the music . “ I think Baroque music could give peace of mind , which most people living in the overly dynamic world of today are missing . The role of classical music is to provide the audience with an opportunity to reflect on their lives , ” Kuijken said at a press conference held before the event . “ Most of all , it allows musicians to think over the already - standardized use of instruments . ” The organizer of the event said the cathedral was the perfect venue for the solemn yet energetic world of Bach . On March 5 , at the Seongnam Arts Center in Gyeonggi Province at 8 p . m . , Marc Minkowski and Les Musiciens Du Louvre Grenoble ( The musicians of the Louvre ) will perform Rameau ’ s “ Une Symphonie Imaginaire ” and Gluck ’ s “ Le Festin de Pierre - Don Juan . ” The French bassoon player - and - conductor known for his interpretation of French Baroque music excerpted some arias ― which are , surprisingly , dance music ― from 11 of Rameau ’ s operas and rearranged them into a medley . The Gluck piece was composed for a ballet performance and is expected to deliver the dynamic sound of Baroque music . “ The most important feature of Baroque music is its diversity , ” said Lee Jun - hyoung , a music critic . “ While many people perceive Baroque music to be stiff and rigid , it is in fact very liberal . There are sometimes no specific notes and players must rely on improvisation , ” he said . “ Kuijken is expected to deliver the very standard and essential part of Baroque music . Minkowski , on the other hand , will blow you away with the dynamics and all the versatility , ” Lee said . By Bae Ji - sook ( baejisook @ heraldcorp . com ) [ Hot News ] ◆ Park takes helm ◆ Economic democratization overshadows inauguration ◆ Welfare , public safety focus of Park ’ s agenda ◆ Where have we seen it before ? ◆ British teen dies in fall from ski lift