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Period: 476 to 1439
The Middle Ages
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Period: 1025 to 1028
Guido Arezzo's formulation of the Solmization system
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1098
Hildegard of Bingen Birth
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1179
Hildegard of Bingen Death
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Period: 1320 to 1329
Ars Nova Treatise
With the Ars Nova music era and its music treatise, a new system of rhythm notation using the breve was established. Composers of the Notre Dame school and French composers and theorists contributed to this notation. -
Period: 1450 to
The Renaissance Era
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1529
Martin Luther chorale "Ein feste burg" (A Mighty Fortress) written
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1538
Arcadelt Madrigal "Il bianco e dolce cigno" written
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1567
Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina: "Pope Marcellus" Mass
While this piece was included in his second collection of masses, Palestrina stated in the book's dedication that these pieces were "written in a new manner." Legend says this statement is a response to the Council of Trent's recommended alterations to the liturgy. The Council suggested limited polyphony along with melismatic passages. This piece saved polyphony and validated that music can be spiritually impactful and clear in its lyrics. The "Palestrina Style" is demonstrated in this mass. -
Tomás Luis de Victoria's "Missa O Magnum Mysterium" was written
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Period: to
The Baroque Era
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Monteverdi's "L'orfeo"
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First Public Concerts in England
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Period: to
Johann Sebastian Bach
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Antonio Vivaldi's "L’Estro Armonico"
Antonio Vivaldi was an internationally known virtuoso violinist and known as the best Italian composer of the 18th century. “L’estro armonico” (Harmonic Inspiration) heavily influenced the evolution of the concerto form as it was created north of Italy. Vivaldi expanded and clarified the ritornello form as demonstrated in this collection of concertos. Vivaldi's compositions showed unrivaled variety in their form and content. -
Bach's "The Well-Tempered Clavier" volume 1
Bach’s “The Well-Tempered Clavier” mingled Italian, German, and French characteristics. The two volumes of “The Well-Tempered Clavier” could be played on different types of keyboards based on the new tuning system for keyboard instruments. The book contains 24 preludes and fugues organized in pairs of tonic major. The book intended to delve into the possibilities of playing all keys in near-equal temperament and acted as an étude for players. -
Rameau's "Traité de l’harmonie"
Rameau gained most of his recognition as a music theorist and was discovered for his findings in his 40s. Rameau’s “Traité de l’harmonie” (Treatise on Harmony) stated fundamental music theory statements that still apply today. Rameau included in this treatise that all melody is rooted in harmony, triads and seventh chords are chief elements in music, and originated the terms “tonic,” “dominant,” and “subdominant” to encapsulate the hierarchy of functional harmony. -
Period: to
Viennese Classical Period
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Period: to
Franz Joseph Haydn
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Handel's "Messiah"
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Period: to
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
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Period: to
Joeseph Bologne Le Chevalier de Saint-Georges as director of Concerts des Amateurs
Le Chevalier de Saint-Georges was a virtuoso violinist, composer, swordsman, and conductor. Saint-Georges directed one of the finest orchestras in Europe for the music lovers in the area to enjoy. In Paris, the Concert des Amateurs was financed by private funds, which was common during this era. The group premiered many new works. -
Mozart's "Don Giovanni"
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Haydn's Symphony No. 94 "Surprise" Premiere in London