A Timeline of Classical Music

A Timeline of Classical Music offers a chronological look at some of the most important classical works and composers from the Medieval period to the present day.

Origins of Classical Music

Classical music is a broad term that usually refers to Western musical traditions from the ninth century. This kind of music is generally regarded as art music, as opposed to popular music or folk music. It covers a wide range of styles, from the simple folk tune to the grandiose symphony.

Ancient Greece

Classical music is a broad term that usually refers to Western musical traditions from the late Roman Empire to the present day. Classical music encompasses everything from the simple tunes of Gregorian chants to the complex orchestrations of Gustav Mahler.

Ancient Greece:
Classical music has its roots in ancient Greece, where it was thought that music could bring about a harmonious balance in the universe. Plato believed that certain modes or scales could affect emotions and even influence the behavior of animals. Aristotle believed that rhythm and melody were essential elements of anymusical composition.

Renaissance:
During the Renaissance, classical music underwent a great deal of evolution. composers began to write using different instruments, as well as in different forms and styles. The invention of printing press made it possible for music to be disseminated more widely, and many composers became famous for their work.

Baroque Period:
The Baroque period saw an emphasis on grandiose gestures and elaborate ornamentation. Composers such as Johann Sebastian Bach and George Frideric Handel wrote some of their most famous works during this time, and many of their pieces are still performed today.

Classical Period:
The Classical period is often considered to be the Golden Age of classical music. It was during this time that Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven composed some of their most famous works. These composers helped to define what we think of as classical music today.

The Roman Empire

The Roman Empire was one of the most influential empires of classical antiquity. Not only did the empire provide a stable political environment in which art and music could flourish, but it also play a significant role in the development of both genres.

One of the earliest examples of Western music comes from the Roman Empire. The first known instance of music notation was found in a Julius Caesar-era document known as the “Carmen de bello gallico”, which includes musical notation for a military marching tune. This tune, known as the “Cheironomia”, is thought to have been created by the Roman general and musician Gaius Julius Hyginus.

Other examples of early Roman music include the hymns “Veni redemptor gentium” and “Ave maris stella”, both of which were written by pollution abbess Ambrose around 380 AD. These hymns are among the earliest examples of polyphony (multiple melodic lines being sung simultaneously) in Western music.

The fall of the Roman Empire in 476 AD brought about a period of instability and turmoil throughout Europe. Art and music continued to be made during this time, but much less is known about this period due to the lack of documentation.

The Middle Ages

Classical music is a very broad term that covers a wide range of periods and styles. For this reason, it can be difficult to know where to start when you’re exploring this genre. A good place to start is with the Middle Ages. This was a period of great change for music, with the development of new instruments and the beginning of notation. Let’s take a look at a timeline of classical music to get a better understanding of this genre.

The Renaissance

The Renaissance was a period of great creativity in music, beginning in the 14th century and lasting until the beginning of the 17th century. The word “Renaissance” means “rebirth,” and this period was indeed a time of renewed interest in the arts and sciences.

One of the most important events of the Renaissance was the invention of printing, which made it possible to circulate music more easily. This allowed for the growth of composer-performers, who were able to make a living by composing and performing their own works. The first great composer of the Renaissance was Guillaume Dufay (1397-1474), who wrote both sacred and secular music.

Other important composers of the Renaissance include Johannes Ockeghem (1410-1497), Josquin des Prez (ca. 1450-1521), Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina (1525-1594), Carlo Gesualdo (1566-1613), Orlando di Lasso (ca. 1532-1594), and Claudio Monteverdi (1567-1643). The music of the Renaissance is characterized by its polyphonic texture, or multiple voices singing different melodies at the same time. This contrasts with the music of the Medieval era, which was mostly sung in monophony, or one voice accompanied by simple chordal harmony.

The Baroque Period

The Baroque period is the era in the history of Western art music (roughly 1600–1750) generally regarded as encompassing the Renaissance, the middle, and the early modern eras. Baroque music forms a major portion of the classical music canon, being widely studied, performed, and listened to. It is associated with certain composers (such as Johann Sebastian Bach, Antonio Vivaldi, George Frideric Handel, Claudio Monteverdi), specific performers (such as Gian Lorenzo Bernini), musical styles (such as counterpoint and fugue), and ensembles (the Baroque orchestra).

In general terms, Baroque music may be described as tonal (based around a main “key”), polyphonic/contrapuntal (“many-voiced”), rhythmically active with strong accentuation on weak beats (particularly in dance movements), employing recitative declamation over accompaniment or melodic lines; and making use of new instrumental effects such as tremolo and pizzicato.

The Modern Era

The Modern Era of classical music is marked by a period of experimentation and innovation. This period lasted from approximately the mid-19th century to the mid-20th century. A number of new musical styles and genres emerged during this time.

The Classical Period

The Classical period was an era of classical music between roughly 1730 to 1820. The Classical period falls between the Baroque and the Romantic periods. Classical music has a lighter, clearer texture than Baroque music and is less complex. It is mainly homophonic, using a clear melody line over a subordinate chordal accompaniment, but counterpoint was by no means forgotten, especially later in the period.

The major undertook expanding codification of forms including the sonata, the concerto, and the symphony. Major composers from the Classical period include Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, and Schubert.

The Romantic Period

The Romantic period in music ran from roughly the early 19th century to the early 20th century. It was a time when composers sought to break away from the formal strictures of the Classical period, and instead express themselves in more personal, emotive ways. The music of the Romantic period is characterized by sweeping melodies, rich harmonies, and often a highly passionate or melancholic tone. Many of the most famous classical composers wrote their best-known works during this era, including Beethoven, Brahms, Chopin, Liszt, Mendelssohn, Schubert, and Tchaikovsky.

The 20th Century

The 20th century was a time of great change in classical music. New styles and genres emerged, and composers began to experiment with different forms, structures, and sounds.

Some of the most important classical music composers of the 20th century include:

-Igor Stravinsky (1882-1971): Russian composer who wrote The Rite of Spring, considered one of the most influential pieces of the 20th century.

-Arnold Schoenberg (1874-1951): Austrian composer who developed the 12-tone system of composition, which was a major influence on 20th-century music.

-Alban Berg (1885-1935): Austrian composer who was a member of Schoenberg’s “Second Viennese School” and wrote atonal and serial works.

-Aaron Copland (1900-1990): American composer who wrote pieces that were infused with early American folk music, such as Appalachian Spring and Rodeo.

The 20th century also saw the rise of popular music, and many classical composers wrote works that incorporated elements of popular styles. Some examples include: George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, Duke Ellington’s concerto for piano and orchestra entitled Harlem, and Leonard Bernstein’s West Side Story.