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Period: 500 to 1450
The Medieval Period
This time was also referred to as the Middle Ages. -
1030
Guido of Arezzo's Micrologus
Guido's treatise describes his solmization system which was a hexachord system. He developed a 4 line staff as well as accidentals (flat notes at this point in time). He also developed the idea of relative pitch and a group of sight singing syllables. -
Period: 1098 to 1179
The life of Hildegard of Bingen
Early woman composer who was sought after for wisdom, music, healing, visions, etc. -
1323
The Ars Nova Treatise
The treatise laid the groundwork for modern notation by introducing the "Minim" which allowed for syncopation. Additionally, duple meter began to be used within music. -
Period: 1450 to
The Renaissance Period
Known as the "Rebirth" of Ancient Greek Culture. The Renaissance was not referred to as the Renaissance until the 19th Century. -
1485
Josquin's Ave Maria... virgo serena Motet
One of Josquin's most popular motets. It is considered the "Mona Lisa" of Renaissance Music. -
1529
Martin Luther's Chorale Ein feste burg (A Mighty Fortress)
This was Martin Luther's most famous chorale. It became an anthem for the Protestant Reformation which he started. -
1538
Arcadelt Madrigal II bianco e dolce cigno
A well know madrigal. It was meant for entertainment in social settings as the text eludes to sexual climax. -
1567
Palestrina's Pope Marcellus Mass
Legend says that Palestrina's mass demonstrated that sacred words could be intelligible in polyphonic music with 6 voices. His writing style became the basis for present- day counterpoint. -
Victoria's Missa O magnum mysterium
This was a parody mass as was the majority of his masses. Missa O magnum mysterium was based on one of Victoria's earlier motets, O magnum mysterium (1572). -
Gabrieli's Sonata pian'e forte
This was the first time in history where dynamics where indicated in music. The Sonata was also one of the first pieces to specify which instrument was to play what part. -
Period: to
The Baroque Period
A time of wide spread experimentation within music. -
Monteverdi's L'Orfeo
This was the first opera that become part of operatic standard literature. -
First Public Concerts in England
This was the start of consumer culture. Public concerts resulted from a rise in interest in music by the middle class as well as skilled musicians who needed supplemental income. -
Period: to
JS Bach
One of the most influential composers historically. Well known organist during his time. -
Antonio Vivaldi's L'Estro Armonico
Vivaldi's op.3, L'Estro Armonico is significant because it served as a catalyst for the spread and popularity of the Italian concerto. -
Bach's The Well-Tempered Clavier volume 1
This is significant because it showed that all 24 keys could be played using near- equal temperament. -
Rameau's Traite de l'harmonie
This is significant because it was the first time someone put major theoretical concepts such as: harmony, triads being the most important building structure of notes, inversions, the pillars of harmony, V to I being the strongest progression, and many other ideas in one place. -
Period: to
PreClassical Period
Coexisted with the late Baroque period. -
Period: to
Franz Joseph Haydn
The most celebrated composer of his day. He is also referred to as the father of the string quartet and symphony. -
Handel's Messiah
Completed in 1741 though it was not premiered until 1742 on Lent. Messiah was innovative because it featured the chorus which both participated and narrated. -
Period: to
WA Mozart
One of Haydn's equals and friends. He found very early success as a composer. -
Period: to
Viennese Classical Period
Many long lasting works or "classics" were composed during this time. -
Period: to
Le Chevalier de Saint-Georges as director of Concerts des Amateurs
Le Chevalier de Saint-Georges was one of France's best composers, conductors, and violinists. He was a black man which ultimately was the reason he was not director of the Paris opera — racism. -
Mozart's Don Giovanni
One of Mozart's late comic operas. -
Haydn's Symphony No. 94 "Surprise"
Part of Haydn's late innovative works.
