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9600 BCE
Flute
The flute now played was modified from an early flute by Theobald Boehm in 1810. At the age of 16 he had made a copy of a Grensef instrument, or a four-key flute. -
6000 BCE
Drums
The first drums were made of alligator skins, and have been found in China, where they date back to ancient times. -
2500 BCE
Harp
The earliest evidence of the harp
Was found in Ancient Egypt, therefore leading us to believe the harp was created there. Harps were shaped like bows and had very few strings. -
Period: 1150 to 1400
Medieval
Medieval music includes solely vocal music, such as Gregorian chant and choral music (music for a group of singers), solely instrumental music, and music that uses both voices and instruments (typically with the instruments accompanying the voices). Gregorian chant was sung by monks during Catholic Mass. -
1400
Trumpet
The trumpet was created by Heinrich Stoelzel and is a brass instrument, commonly used for classical and jazz pieces. -
Period: 1400 to
Renaissance
Renaissance music is vocal and instrumental music written and performed in Europe during the Renaissance era. In the Renaissance, music became a vehicle for personal expression. Composers found ways to make vocal music more expressive of the texts they were setting. -
1501
Violin
The violin is an instrument with 4 strings, and that you play with a bow. The violin was founded by Andrea Amati and was made in northern Italy. The violin was made around the same time as the cello. -
1501
Cello
The cello is an Instrument with 4 strings, and can be played with a bow or plucked. The cello was founded by Andrea Amati in Italy at around the time of the violin. -
Period: to
Baroque
Baroque music is a style of Western art music composed from approximately 1600 to 1750. The Baroque period saw the creation of tonality. During the period, composers and performers used more elaborate musical ornamentation, made changes in musical notation, and developed new instrumental playing techniques. -
Oboe
The oboe is a ovule reed woodwind instrument that was created by Jacques Hotteterre and Michel Philidor, both of whom were french court musicians. -
Clarinet
The clarinet was created by Johann Christoph Denner in Germany. The clarinet is a woodwind instrument, and was developed by modifying an instrument called the chalumeau. -
Period: to
Classical
Classical music has a lighter, clearer texture than baroque music and is less complex. It is mainly homophonic—melody above chordal accompaniment (but counterpoint by no means is forgotten, especially later in the period). -
Period: to
Early Romance
Compositions became increasingly expressive and inventive. Expansive symphonies, virtuosic piano music, dramatic operas, and passionate songs took inspiration from art and literature. The Romantic era is known for its intense energy and passion. -
Period: to
Late romance
Compositions became increasingly expressive and inventive. Expansive symphonies, virtuosic piano music, dramatic operas, and passionate songs took inspiration from art and literature. The Romantic era is known for its intense energy and passion. -
Saxophone
The saxophone was invented by Adolphe Sax who was a musical instrument designer born in Belgium who could play many wind instruments. -
Period: to
Post ‘great war’ years
The defining feature of modern music (and modern art generally) is the breaking-down of all traditional aesthetic conventions, thereby unleashing complete freedom in all aesthetic dimensions, including melody, rhythm, and chord progression.
