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Period: 1450 to Aug 27, 1521
1500s - Composers (Josquin des Prez)
Josquin des Prez (France)
Major influences: Franco-Flemish polyphony.
Notable works: Ave Maria
https://youtu.be/xGkb5KFwx1I?feature=shared
Fact: Josquin was one of the first composers to focus on emotional expression in music.
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Josquin-des-Prez -
1500
1500s - Styles (1)
Sacred Polyphony: Vocal Music focused on religious texts, featuring intricate harmonies.
- prominent Composers: Palestrina, Josquin des Prez.
- Key characteristics: Clear and balanced polyphonic textures.
https://youtu.be/xGkb5KFwx1I?feature=shared -
1500
1500s - Styles (2)
Madrigals: Secular vocal compositions often performed a cappella.
- Prominent composers: William Byrd, Thomas Morley.
- Fact: Madrigals were sung at social gatherings and were known for their emotional intensity.
https://youtu.be/9uK9nVVbGHw?feature=shared -
1500
1500s - Styles (3)
Instrumental Dance Music: Music for courtly dances such as the Pavane or Galliard.
- Prominent Composers: Michael Praetorius, Anthony Holborne.
- Fact: Rhythmic patterns matched dance steps.
https://youtu.be/4FEJ2-1q5h0?feature=shared -
Period: Feb 3, 1525 to
1500s - composers (Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina)
Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina (Italy).
Major influences: Sacred music and Catholic traditions.
Notable works: Missa Papae Marcelli.
https://youtu.be/3n8XdKkrqgo?feature=shared
Fact: His compositions were key in defining Renaissance polyphony.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giovanni_Pierluigi_da_Palestrina -
Period: 1540 to
1500s - Composers (William Byrd)
William Byrd (England)
Major influences: The protestant reformation and English madrigals.
Notable works: Sing Joyfully. https://youtu.be/9uK9nVVbGHw?feature=shared
Fact: Byrd was a secret Catholic in Protestant England. -
1550
1500s (Renaissance Period)
In this century, the violin was created in Italy in 1550, becoming a foundational string instrument in classical music and the violin is in the group of the strings. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_violin#:~:text=The%20violin%2C%20viola%20and%20cello,instruments%20had%20only%20three%20strings. -
Period: May 15, 1567 to
1500s - Composers (Claudio Monteverdi)
Claudio Monteverdi (Italy)
Major influences: Transition from Renaissance to Baroque styles.
Notable works: L'Orfeo https://youtu.be/0mD16EVxNOM?feature=shared
Fact: Monteverdi is often called the "father of opera"
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Claudio-Monteverdi -
1600s - Styles (1)
Opera: Theatrical productions combining music, drama, and visual arts.
Prominent Composers: Monteverdi, Handel.
Fact: The first operas were performed in Italy.
https://www.youtube.com/live/bR0cEOTpYSk?feature=shared -
1600s (Baroque Period)
In this century the Harpsichord became prominent as a keyboard instrument.
Year: 1600s
Country of origin: Italy.
https://www.skagitsymphony.com/the-harpsichord -
1600s - Styles (2)
Fugue: A complex contrapuntal composition.
Prominent Composers: Bach
Fact: Layered melodic lines.
https://youtu.be/ho9rZjlsyYY?feature=shared -
1600s - Styles (3)
Concerto Grosso: Instrumental music contrasting a small group of instruments with a larger ensemble.
Prominent Composers: Vivaldi, Corelli.
https://youtu.be/GRxofEmo3HA?feature=shared -
Period: to
1600s - composers (Henry Purcell)
Henry Purcell (England)
Major influences: English choral traditions.
Notable works: Dido and Aeneas. https://youtu.be/GYdfxNYAVG4?feature=shared
Fact: Purcell composed the first English opera.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Purcell -
Period: to
1600s - composers (Antonio Vivaldi)
Antonio Vivaldi (Italy)
Major influences: Italian concertos and violin techniques.
Notable works: The four seasons. https://youtu.be/GRxofEmo3HA?feature=shared
Fact: Vivaldi was nicknamed "The Red Priest" for his red hair.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antonio_Vivaldi -
Period: to
1600s - composers (George Frideric Handel)
George Frideric Handel (Germany/England)
Major influences: Opera and oratorio
Notable works: Messiah
https://www.youtube.com/live/bR0cEOTpYSk?feature=shared
Fact: Handel's Messiah was written in just 24 days.
https://www.britannica.com/biography/George-Frideric-Handel -
Period: to
1600s - Composers (Johann Sebastian Bach)
Johann Sebastian Bach (Germany)
Major influences: German Lutheran traditions.
Notable works: Toccata and Fugue in D Minor. https://youtu.be/ho9rZjlsyYY?feature=shared
Fact: Bach wrote over 1000 compositions.
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Johann-Sebastian-Bach -
1700s - Styles (3)
Opera Buffa: A comedic opera style with lighthearted, everyday themes.
Prominent Composers: Mozart.
Fact: Focused on humor and character interaction.
https://youtu.be/YuBeBjqKSGQ?feature=shared -
1700s - Styles (2)
Sonata: A piece for solo instruments or small ensembles, often with three movements.
Prominent Composers: Beethoven, Mozart.
Fact: Sonatas became a vehicle for piano innovation.
https://youtu.be/YuBeBjqKSGQ?feature=shared -
1700s - Styles (1)
Symphony: A large-scale instrumental composition with multiple movements.
Prominent Composers: Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven.
Fact: Balanced structure, contrasting themes.
https://youtu.be/4Tr0otuiQuU?feature=shared -
1700s (Classical Period)
The piano emerged, revolutionizing music by replacing the harpsichord with its dynamic range and expressive capabilities. The piano is in the group of the keyboards.
Year: 1700
Country of origin: Italy
https://www.yamaha.com/en/musical_instrument_guide/piano/structure/#:~:text=The%20piano%20was%20invented%20by,in%20around%20the%20year%201700. -
Period: to
1700s - composers (Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach)
Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach (Germany)
Major influences: Transition from Baroque to Classical styles.
Notable works: Hamburg Symphonies.
https://youtu.be/VUKDaSgUvkM?feature=shared
Fact: He was Johann Sebastian Bach's second surviving son.
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Carl-Philipp-Emanuel-Bach -
Period: to
1700s - composers (Joseph Haydn)
Joseph Haydn (Austria)
Major influences: Developing symphony and string quartet forms.
Notable works: Symphony No. 94 ("Surprise"), The creation.
https://youtu.be/tF5kr251BRs?feature=shared
Fact: Known as the "Father of the Symphony."
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Joseph-Haydn -
Period: to
1700s - composers (Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart)
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Austria)
Major influences: Baroque polyphony and classical ideals of balance.
Notable works: The Magic Flute, Eine Kleine Nachtmusik.
https://youtu.be/YuBeBjqKSGQ?feature=shared
Fact: Mozart started composing at age five and wrote over 600 works.
https://www.eno.org/composers/wolfgang-amadeus-mozart/ -
Period: to
1700s - composers (Ludwig van Beethoven)
Ludwig van Beethoven (Germany)
Major influences: Haydn, Mozart. and personal struggles (he was deaf later in life)
Notable works: Symphony No. 9, Moonlight Sonata.
https://youtu.be/4Tr0otuiQuU?feature=shared
Fact: His Symphony No. 9 includes the famous Ode to Joy.
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ludwig-van-Beethoven -
Period: to
1800s - composers (Franz Schubert)
Franz Schubert (Austria)
Major influences: Viennese classical traditions and poetry.
Notable works: Winterreise.
https://youtu.be/l0Rry-ahcHM?feature=shared
Fact: Schubert composed over 600 songs in his short life.
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Franz-Schubert -
1800s - Styles (1)
Lieder: Romantic art songs set to poetry, often for voice and piano.
Prominent Composers: Schubert, Brahms.
Fact: These songs told stories through emotional music.
https://youtu.be/BRdEgS_OHAk?feature=shared -
1800s - Styles (2)
Program Music: Instrumental music that tells a story or paints a picture.
Prominent Composers: Tchaikovsky, Berlioz.
Fact: Often inspired by literature or events.
https://youtu.be/C4wBG8BWbYg?feature=shared -
1800s - Styles (3)
Ballet Music: Compositions specifically written for dance performances.
Prominent Composers: Tchaikovsky, Delibes.
Fact: Ballet music became more dramatic in this period.
https://youtu.be/7_WWz2DSnT8?feature=shared -
Period: to
1800s - composers (Frederic Chopin)
Frederic Chopin (Poland)
Major influences: Polish folk music and piano virtuosity.
Notable works: Nocturne Op. 9 No. 2, Funeral March.
https://youtu.be/7-9wXQpzESo?feature=shared
Fact: Chopin wrote almost exclusively for piano.
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Frederic-Chopin -
Period: to
1800s - composers (Johaness Brahms)
Johaness Brahms (Germany)
Major influences: Beethoven and German romantic traditions.
Notable works: Symphony No. 1, Hungarian Dances.
https://youtu.be/BRdEgS_OHAk?feature=shared
Fact: He was known as one of the "Three Bs" (Bach, Beethoven, Brahms).
https://www.britannica.com/summary/Johannes-Brahms -
1800s (Romantic Period)
The Tuba was invented, enriching the brass family with its deep, resonant tones. The Tuba is in the group of Brass.
Year: 1835
Country of origin: Germany.
https://www.yamaha.com/en/musical_instrument_guide/tuba/structure/ -
Period: to
1800s - composers (Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky)
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (Russia)
Major influences: Russian nationalism, Western European traditions.
Notable works: 1812 Overture, The Nutcracker Suite.
https://youtu.be/C4wBG8BWbYg?feature=shared
Fact: Tchaikovsky was often emotionally driven in his compositions.
https://www.britannica.com/summary/Pyotr-Ilyich-Tchaikovsky -
Period: to
1900s - composers (Claude Debussy)
Claude Debussy (France)
Major influences: Impressionist painting, French poetry.
Notable works: Clair de Lune.
https://youtu.be/WNcsUNKlAKw?feature=shared
Fact: Debussy disliked the term "Impressionism" for his music.
https://www.britannica.com/summary/Claude-Debussy -
Period: to
1900s - composers (Igor Stravinsky)
Igor Stravinsky (Russia)
Major influences: Russian folk music, French impressionism.
Notable works: The Rite of Spring.
https://youtu.be/EkwqPJZe8ms?feature=shared
Fact: The Rite of Spring caused a riot at its premiere.
https://www.britannica.com/summary/Igor-Stravinsky -
Period: to
1900s - composers (George Gershwin)
George Gershwin (USA)
Major influences: Jazz and classical fusion.
Notable works: Rhapsody in Blue.
https://youtu.be/cH2PH0auTUU?feature=shared
Fact: Gershwin's music bridged classical and popular styles.
https://www.britannica.com/biography/George-Gershwin -
1900s - Styles (2)
Impressionism: Focused on mood and atmosphere.
Prominent Composers: Debussy, Ravel.
https://youtu.be/WNcsUNKlAKw?feature=shared -
1900s - Styles (1)
Jazz: Improvisational music rooted in African American traditions.
Prominent Composers: Gershwin, Ellington.
https://youtu.be/cH2PH0auTUU?feature=shared -
1900s - Styles (3)
Minimalism: Repeated patterns with slight variations.
Prominent Composers: Philip Glass, Steve Reich.
https://youtu.be/YgX85tZf1ts?feature=shared -
Period: to
1900s - composers (Aaron Copland)
Aaron Copland (USA)
Major influences: American folk music.
Notable works: Appalachian Spring.
https://youtu.be/TXV8yO1FucA?feature=shared
Fact: Known as the "Dean of American Composers"
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Aaron-Copland -
1900s (Modern Period)
The electric guitar was introduced, revolutionizing popular music. The electric guitar is in the group of strings.
Year: 1932
Country of Origin: USA.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_guitar