Western Music Timeline

Classicism s. XVIII - XIX

Baroque s. XVII - XVIII

Renaissance s. XV - XVII

Middle ages s. V - XV

Ancient Greece s. VII (AC) - V

This period marked the change from Early Modern Period to Contemporary Age. The Classical era in the history of music specifically refers to the period when composers such as Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven were active, championing the symphony, composing comic operas, and developing the piano sonata. Orchestras went through great changes, and the piano and the string cuartet were introduced.

The Baroque period saw an explosion of new musical styles with the introduction of the concerto, the sonata and the opera. Non-religious music started to flourish, in particular instrumental music. The idea that instruments should be grouped together in a standard way created the first versions of the modern orchestra. Bach demonstrated a standard approach to harmony that dominated music until the late 19th century.

New styles and techniques developed, whilst there was also a “rebirth” of interest in ancient culture. Music was still divided into secular and sacred; secular music pushed the boundaries and laid the foundation for functional harmony. Music was mostly vocal, but instrumental music in its own right developed, instead of just being accompaniment.

We find music divided into religious music, in which the gregorian chant is used to transmit to people the ideas of the christian church through prayer and song; and profane or popular music, played by minstrels and troubadours, used for fun and entertainment. A new form of making music appears in this period called polyphony, consisting of two or more simultaneous lines of independent melody.

For the Greeks music was viewed as a gift from the gods. Music was an integral part of life, and the term covered not only music but also dance, lyrics and poetry. Greeks were interested in music theory, consisted of harmonic, acoustic, scalar, and melody studies. Music played an important role in education, and also became an element of philosophical studies that believed that music was a mathematical expression of the cosmic order.

western Music

Aleatory music makes for greater freedom by involving a degree of chance or unpredictability either in the composing process, in performance, or in both.

The trend of Nationalism uses country's folksongs , dance music, marching songs, popular tunes and even hymns in its compositions.

Thick, congested textures for huge performing forces were replaced by a clarity of line and texture ; the expression of intense emotion was deliberately avoided.

This music includes any sounds picked up by a microphone and also any sounds produced from electronic sound-generators.

Expressionism in music begins with an exageration, distortion even, of late Romanticism. It relied on harmonies which became increasingly chromatic, later resulting in atonality and dodecaphonism.

Impressionist music conveys moods, scenes, and emotions, using color or timbre through different textures, harmonics, and orchestrations to arouse feelings and create atmosphere.

Electronic music

Aleatoric music

Nacionalism

Neoclassicism

Expressionism

Impressionism

S. XX and beyond

Romanticism s. XIX

Music changed dramatically. Many composers reacted against established musical trends, creating exciting new forms and styles. Modernism in music was about being radical and different: musicians and audiences realised that music didn’t have to be confined to tradition.

The Romantic era is known for its intense energy and passion. The rigid forms of classical music gave way to greater expression, and music grew closer to art, literature and theatre. Compositions became increasingly expressive and inventive with expansive symphonies, virtuosic piano works, dramatic operas and passionate songs. Famous composers include Tchaikovsky, Brahms, Mahler, and Verdi.

western MUSIC