5 Eras of Classical Music That You Need to Know

If you’re a fan of classical music, then you need to know about the five eras that have shaped the genre. From the early days of Gregorian chants to the modern era of classical crossover, each era has its own distinct sound and style. Learn about the five eras of classical music and find your favorite!

Early Medieval Era (c. 450-1450)

The Early Medieval era of classical music lasted from around 450 AD to 1450 AD. This era is also known as the Dark Ages because of how little is known about music from this time period. However, there are a few pieces of music that have survived from the Early Medieval era. The most famous piece of music from this era is the Gregorian Chant.

Origins of Medieval Music

The early medieval era of classical music began around 450 AD and lasted until 1450 AD. This was a time of great change in Europe, with the fall of the Roman Empire and the rise of the Medieval period. Music during this time was mostly religious in nature, and was used to accompany the liturgy of the Church. The earliest forms of medieval music were Christian hymns called plainsong or Gregorian chant. These were simple melodies that were sung by monks in unison, without harmony or accompaniment. As time went on, new styles of music began to develop, including secular music, which was often played by minstrels (wandering musicians). The most common instrument during this time was the lute, a string instrument that is played with a plectrum (pick).

Notable Composers of the Early Medieval Era

Bishop Theodulf of Orléans – A prolific composer and leading figure of the Carolingian Renaissance, he is best known for his Christmas carol “Veni redemptor gentium” (“Come, Redeemer of the Nations”).

Hildegard von Bingen – A Benedictine nun and one of the most celebrated composers and musicians of her time, she wrote sacred music including plainsong chants and works for voice, instruments, and orchestra.

Notker Balbulus – Also known as Notker the Stammerer, he was a Benedictine monk at the Abbey of Saint Gall in present-day Switzerland. He is one of the earliest known composers of polyphonic (multi-voice) music.

High Medieval Era (c. 1050-1350)

The first era of classical music is the High Medieval era, which lasted from around 1050 to 1350. This was a period of great change for music, as the church began to codify music notation and composers began to experiment with new harmonic possibilities. The music of this era is characterized by its complex polyphony and intricate rhythmic texture.

Notable Composers of the High Medieval Era

During the High Medieval era, a new style of monophonic music called organum developed. This style was characterized by the use of staggered vocal parts moving in parallel motion. The most notable composers of organum were Léonin and Pérotin, both of whom worked at the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.layFile:High MedievalPD.jpg

Another important development during this time period was the creation of motets. Motets were polyphonic pieces (meaning they featured multiple independent melody lines) that were often based on pre-existing chants or secular songs. The most famous composer of motets was Guillaume de Machaut, who wrote numerous works in this genre.

A third significant musical development during the High Medieval era was the establishment of musical notation. This system allowed for greater precision and understanding when learning and performing music, and it ultimately laid the foundation for modern classical music notation.

Late Medieval Era (c. 1350-1450)

The Late Medieval Era was a time of great change for classical music. This was the era when the first polyphonic works were written, and it was also the era when secular music began to develop. You need to know about these five eras of classical music so that you can appreciate the music of today.

Notable Composers of the Late Medieval Era

The Late Medieval Era, also known as the Middle Ages, was a time of great transition for music. This was the era when composers began to write down their music instead of just performing it orally. This allowed the music to be preserved and passed down from generation to generation.

Some of the most notable composers of the Late Medieval Era include Guillaume de Machaut, Johannes Ockeghem, and Josquin des Prez. Machaut was one of the first composers to write polyphonic (multiple voices) music. Ockeghem was known for his innovative use of counterpoint (the interweaving of two or more melodies). Des Prez was considered to be one of the greatest composers of his time; he wrote both sacred and secular music.

Renaissance Era (c. 1400-1600)

The Renaissance Era is often broken down into two sections: the early Renaissance (c. 1400-1475) and the late Renaissance (c. 1475-1600). This was a time of great change in music, with the development of new musical styles and genres.

Notable Composers of the Renaissance Era

The Renaissance Era saw a huge flourishing of the arts, with composers developing new musical styles and experimenting with innovative techniques. Many of the most famous classical composers of all time were active during this period, including some who are still widely celebrated today.

Here are some of the most notable Renaissance-era composers:

-Guillaume Dufay (c. 1397-1474)
-Johannes Ockeghem (c. 1410-1497)
-Josquin des Prez (c. 1450-1521)
-Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina (c. 1525-1594)
-Orlande de Lassus (c. 1532-1594)

Baroque Era (c. 1600-1750)

The Baroque era was a time of great change for music. Composers began to experiment with new forms and sounds, and the way music was performed changed as well. The Baroque era is often divided into three parts: early, middle, and late. The early Baroque era (c. 1600-1640) was a time of great experimentation. Composers were influenced by the Renaissance, and they began to experiment with new forms of music.

Notable Composers of the Baroque Era

The Baroque era was a time of great creativity in music, with a flourishing of new ideas and new musical styles. Many of the most famous composers of all time were active during the Baroque era, including Johann Sebastian Bach, Antonio Vivaldi, George Frideric Handel, and Claudio Monteverdi. The music of the Baroque era is characterized by its grandiose and elaborate style, with rich textures and complex harmonies.

One of the most important innovations of the Baroque era was the development of opera, a new form of musical theater that combined music, drama, and dance. The first operas were written in Italy in the early 1600s, and quickly spread throughout Europe. Opera would go on to become one of the most popular forms of entertainment during the Baroque era.

Other important developments during the Baroque era include the rise of instrumental music, as well as the development of new genres such as the concerto and sonata. TheBaroque period was also a time of great experimentation in harmony and tonality, with composers often pushing the boundaries of traditional harmonic progressions.

If you’re interested in learning more about the music of the Baroque era, there are many excellent resources available online and in print. You can also check out some streaming services like Spotify or Apple Music to listen to some of these iconic pieces yourself!