In which musical style is heavy ornamentation a significant feature?

Heavy ornamentation is a significant feature in Baroque music, characterized by the embellishment of melodies, the use of trills, turns, and other decorative elements. This style emphasizes expressiveness and complexity, often showcasing the virtuosity of the performer. Composers from the Baroque period, such as Bach and Vivaldi, wrote music that allowed for extensive ornamentation, both as a means of embellishing the written score and as a way for performers to demonstrate their interpretative skills.

Ornamentation in Baroque music was not merely an aesthetic choice; it was integral to the performance practice of the time and was taught as part of musical training. The improvisational nature of ornamentation in this style allowed musicians to personalize the music, creating unique interpretations of established works.