The technique of learning music by listening is made harder when one is unsure what the original music sounded like.

Although learning by listening is one way that Basically Baroque, an ensemble of associate professors from the Iowa State music department, has learned how to play, it has also been an opposition.

Baroque music and instruments refers to the period of 1600 – 1750, oboe and baroque oboe player Kevin Shilling, said. This period includes composers Bach and Handle.

The other half who makes up this duo is organ and harpsichord player Lynn Zeigler. In 22 years of performing together, Schilling and Zeigler have played throughout Iowa and in Germany.

“We play a variety of music but it is basically baroque,” Schilling said. “Most of the music we are familiar with if from 1700 – 1750.”

However, “we don’t know what people sounded like then. This has some advantages and disadvantages,” he said. “The art of playing the old instruments is growing and gives a better feel on how the original music may have sounded and a better appreciation for it.”

On Sunday Schilling and Zeigler will be accompanied by three guest artists in their evening performance.

The artists include baroque flutist Rebecca Stuhr from Grinnell, violinist Marika Hoyt and cellist Mary Pshonik.

The program will include works by composers von Dittersdorf, de Boismortier and Telemann.

“Telemann is the most prolific composer of the time,” Schilling said. “He actually beat Bach out at the time.”

Basically Baroque’s performance will also include instrumental features from each artist and a new twist of style with the addition of the organ in many of the compositions.

“People generally appreciated the music more than now because you can’t go home and flick a switch,” Schilling said.

However, “people will enjoy the music,” he said. “The music is more expressive now than it used to be. Expression is usually up to the musician.”

Basically Baroque will be performing as part of the 1997-98 faculty recital series Sunday at 7 p.m. in the Music Hall Recital Hall. The performance is free and open to the public.