A Musical Timeline

I've never learned a ton about the time periods in music, perhaps because I thought it would be a boring history lesson, or maybe because I never needed to know. But in this class we have touched on a few of them and I find it so interesting! I suppose because I'm older now and can appreciate it. Hopefully this will make sense for non-music people as well haha!

MEDIEVAL 0-1400 AD
I don't know much about this time period but what is most familiar to me is the Gregorian chant that was used in the Christian church for many centuries. The music at this time is monophonic, which means that there is only one melody line without accompaniment.

Gregorian Chant

RENAISSANCE 1400-1600 AD

Renaissance means "new birth". During this time a lot was added to music. This included women, different instruments, polyphony; or different parts that interact together, harmony, syncopation. Music was still used a lot for worship which resulted in the invention of hymns and other forms of sacred music. Palestrina is said to be the greatest composer of this time period.

Sicut Cervus

BAROQUE 1600-1750 AD

The beginning of this period is designated by the invention of opera as a way to recapture ancient Greek music. The invention of the violin was followed by the development of purely instrumental music. Also many notation marks such as crescendos, dynamic markings, speed, key signature, and the circle of fifths. Three famous composers from this time were Vivaldi, Handel, and Bach. They all have such interesting lives and it's amazing to look at what inspired their writing and how they used their music to portray their feelings and emotions. I've had a lot of experience with each of these musical geniuses and thoroughly enjoy the work that they've produced. 

Bach Double

Vivaldi Spring

Handel's Messiah - Hallelujah Chorus

CLASSICAL 1750-1800 AD

Many people refer to all "boring" music as classical, but only the music written during this time is technically called classical, and it might just be my favorite. The most important new feature of classical music is the Sonata which consisted of usually four movements. The first movement, allegro, used the Sonata Allegro form which also had four parts. A) Exposition - Theme 1, Transition, Theme 2 B) Development C) Recapitulation - Theme 1, Transition, Theme 2 D) Coda. The second movement was adagio, the third minuet, and the fourth, allegro. Joseph Hadyn was a father figure to both Mozart and Beethoven. Mozart began composing before age 5 and performed on the piano often. Beethoven was very depressed and sad about his deafness which is illustrated in his 5th Symphony. It expresses both fate and hope. One of my favorites of Beethoven is Moonlight Sonata. 

The Magic Flute - Queen of the Night Aria

Moonlight Sonata

Beethoven's 5th Symphony

ROMANTIC 1800-1900 AD

The highlight of romantic music was the ability to communicate with the audience. Lots of huge full orchestras were used and once again, amazing composers. 

Chopin's Ballade No. 1 Op 23 in G Minor

Everyone knows Brahm's Lullaby!

And of course The Nutcracker by Tchaikovsky

CONTEMPORARY 1900-present

The evolution has come about because all composers have influence on one another. You are probably all familiar with this era because it is taking place right now! Starting with jazz, moving to rock and roll, and Broadway shows. Great artists such as George Gershwin, Ella Fitzgerald, and Elvis. Timeless shows like Oklahoma, Singin' in the Rain, and Music Man. 

Claude Debussy's Claire de Lune

Rhapsody in Blue

Hound Dog

I find history so fascinating, especially when you look at something that has had such a profound impact on our society. It has changed so much but has never gone away and I don't think it ever will! I hope you're enjoying this musical journey and that you are learning a lot!