The History of Music

THE HISTORY OF MUSIC
The Middle Ages 450-1450
Characteristics of Music
Music comes from the Ancient Greek muses, who were the nine
goddesses of art and science. Music actually began around 500 B.C. when
Pythagoras experimented with acoustics and how math related to tones
formed from plucking strings. The main form of music during the Middle
Ages was the Gregorian chant, named for Pope Gregory I. This music was
used in the Catholic Churches to enhance the services. It consisted of a
sacred Latin text sung by monks without instrumentation. The chant is sung
in a monophonic texture, which means there is only one line of music. It has
a free-flowing rhythm with little or no set beat. The chants were originally all
passed through oral tradition, but the chants became so numerous that the
monks began to notate them.
Music in Society
Towards the end of the Middle Ages, about the 12th and 13th centuries,
music began to move outside of the church. French nobles called
troubadours and trouveres were among the first to have written secular
songs. Music of this time was contained among the nobility, with court
minstrels performing for them. There were also wandering minstrels who
would perform music and acrobatics in castles, taverns, and town squares.
These people were among the lowest social class, along with prostitutes and
slaves, but they were important because they passed along information,
since there were no newspapers.
Links to Composers of the Middle Ages

Queen Blanche of Castile (1188-1252)
Comtessa Beatiz de Dia (attested 1212)
Herrad of Landsberg (1167-1195)
Hildegard von Bingen (1098-1179)
Leonin (1163-1190)
The Renaissance 1450-1600
During the Renaissance Period, vocal music was still more important
then instrumental. A humanistic interest in language created a close
relationship between words and music during this time. Composers began to
write music to give deeper meaning and emotion to the words in their songs.
They wrote in a style referred to as word painting, where the music and
words combine to form a representation of poetic images. Renaissance
music is very emotional music, although to us it seems to be much calmer.
This is because the emotion is expressed in a balanced way, without extreme
contrasts of dynamics, tone color, and rhythm. Renaissance music has a
mostly polyphonic texture, which means there are many lines of music being
played at the same time. As opposed to medieval times, this music has a
more full sound, because the bass register was used, expanding the range of
music to about four octaves. Each line of melody has rhythmic
independence, giving Renaissance music a more flowing rhythm and not a
sharply defined beat. The melodies are also easy to sing because they move
along scales with few large leaps.
Music in Society
Music was becoming more popular during this time. Much of this was
due to the invention of the printing press, which could circulate copies of
music. The number of composers also began to increase. The Renaissance
had the ideal of the universal man and believed that every educated
person was to be trained in music. Musicians still worked in the churches,
courts, and towns. The size of church choirs grew. But unlike the Middle
Ages where just a few soloists performed in the church, an entire male choir
would now sing. Music was still important in the church, although it has
shifted more to the courts. The kings, princes, and dukes were all fine
composers. One court alone might have had ten to sixty composers
consisting of vocalists and instrumentalists. There was a music director for
each court that would compose and direct the courts performers. The town
musicians would perform for civic processions, weddings, and religious
services. Musicians now had a higher status in society with better pay, and
they wanted to be known and sought credit for their work.
Links to Composers of the Renaissance
Antoine Brumel (1460-1520)
Jean de Castro (1540-1611)
John Dowland (1563-1626)
Thomas Morley (1557-1602)
Claudin de Sermisy (1490-1562)
The Baroque Age 1600-1750
Unlike the previous two periods in music, the Baroque Age was a time
of unity. Most musical pieces of this time expressed one mood throughout
the whole piece. These moods were conveyed through a musical language
with specific rhythms and melodic patterns. One exception to the unified
mood is vocal music. There would be drastic changes in emotion, but they
would still convey one mood for a long period in the piece. One thing that
helps the unity of mood was the continuity of rhythm of this time. The
rhythm is maintained throughout the entire piece creating a drive and feel of
forward motion that goes uninterrupted. Along with mood and rhythm, the
melody is also continuous. The melodies tend to be varied throughout the
piece and many are elaborate and difficult to sing or remember. They do not
give an impression of balance and symmetry; many times a short opening
phrase is followed by a longer one with a flow of rapid notes. Dynamics are
in the same category with the other characteristics; they are usually
continuous. The dynamics in Baroque music have a term called terraced
dynamics. This means that the dynamics usually stay the same for a while,
but shift suddenly. Much of the Baroque music was played in a polyphonic
texture with multiple melodic lines. People of this time believed that music
could move the listener in more ways than one. Opera was a major ideal for
this belief.
Music in Society
There was a new demand for music now. Churches, aristocratic courts,
opera houses, and municipalities wanted music. Composers were pressured
to write new music because audiences did not want to hear pieces of music
in the old-fashioned style. The composers of the courts were paid well and
more prestigious, but they were still considered a servant of the court. They
could not quit nor vacation without the patrons permission. The demand for
music in the church was greater so they employed musicians, although they
were paid less and had less status than the court musicians. In the Baroque
Age, a person became a musician usually by being the son of a musician or
an apprentice. An apprentice would live in the musicians home and in
return for instruction the young boy would do odd jobs for the musician.
Orphanages would give thorough musical training to both the boys and girls
who lived there. The word conservatory, which today means a music school,
originated from the Latin word for orphans home. Musicians usually had to
pass a difficult test in order to receive a job. The test was usually performing
and submitting compositions, but sometimes the test consisted of
nonmusical requirements. The musician might have had to contribute to the
towns treasury, or marrying the daughter of a retiring musician. The
Baroque Age began the sprout of music in society, and it continued to
blossom further.
Links to Composers of the Baroque Age

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)
Wilhelm Friedman Bach (1710-1784)
Jean-Baptiste Lully (1632-1687)
Johann Pachelbel (1653-1706)
Antonin Vivaldi (1678-1741)
The Classical Period 1750-1820
The Classical Period of music differs from the Baroque Age in that is
does not value the fluidity and smoothness of the individual elements of
music. There are contrasts of mood; many of the pieces in classical music
will convey numerous moods. The moods may be a gradual change or a
sudden change, depending on the composer, but the composer always has a
firm control. Rhythm is another element that is varied in classical music.
Unlike the Baroque Age of fluid rhythm that rarely changes, classical
composers used unexpected pauses, syncopations, and frequent changes in
length of the notes. The texture in classical music in mainly homophonic,
meaning there is a main melody backed with a progression of chords,
although, like the rhythm, it can also change unexpectedly. The melodies in
classical music have an easy tune to remember. Although they may be
complex compositions, there is usually a basic melody to follow. They are
often balanced and symmetrical with two phrases of the same length. The
widespread use of dynamic change comes from the composers interests in
expressing their different layers of emotions. The crescendo and
decrescendo became increasingly used to get the audience more involved.
The gradual shift from using a piano instead of the harpsichord came from
this desire to have more dynamic changes. Unlike the harpsichord, the piano
allows the player to adjust the dynamic by pressing harder or softer on the
keys. Most classical composers began to want to control their own music,
not make music according to what someone else wanted.
Music in Society
During the eighteenth century, the economy began

rising and people starting making more money. The
prospering middle class could afford larger homes, nicer clothes and better
food. They also wanted aristocratic luxuries such as theatre, literature, and
music. The middle class had a great impact on music in the Classical Period.
The palace concerts were usually closed to the middle class, so public
concerts were held. Many people were not satisfied with always going to
concerts to listen to music; they wanted it in their homes as well. They
wanted their children to take music lessons and play as well as the
aristocratic children. Many composers wrote music to appease the public
and their music was often easy enough for amateur musicians to play.
Ludwig von Beethoven
Links to Composers of the Classical Period
Ludwig von Beethoven (1770-1827)
Franz Joseph Haydn (1732-1809)
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)
Franz Peter Schubert (1797-1828)
Carl Philip Stamitz (1745-1801)
The Romantic Period 1820-1900
The Romantic Period was a time when emotion was poured into the
music. Each composer had an individual style and expression. Music lovers
could quickly decipher the composer of a piece of music because of its style.
Many of the compositions convey nationalism and exoticism. Nationalism is
expressed when a composer writes in the style of their native homeland.
Exoticism was a style of music in which the composer was fascinated with a
foreign land and would create music to sound like it. Composers used
exoticism to keep up with their obsessions with remote, picturesque, and
mysterious things. Program music was a huge part of the Romantic Period.
This is when the composer would write music to follow a story, poem, idea,
or scene. The instruments would represent the emotions, characters, and
events of a particular story; it would also convey sounds and motion of
nature. One of the greatest program music composers was Hector Berlioz,
who wrote the Symphonie fantastique, a story about an artist who overdoses
on opium. Timbre, or tone color, was used more now than ever before. It
was extremely important to the composer to obtain their specific mood or
atmosphere that they wanted the audience to feel. Along with new tone
colors, composers also sought new harmonies for greater emotional intensity.
They began using the chromatic harmony, which uses chords from the
twelve tone scale as opposed to the major and minor eight tone scales. By
doing this they could use more tension and release methods. They would
play extremely dissonant chords, and then release it with a more stable
consonant chord to create feelings of yearning, tension, and mystery. To
follow the expansion of timbre, and harmonies, dynamics, pitch, and tempo
were also expanded. Composers used extreme dynamics ranging from pppp
to ffff, which is extremely soft to extremely loud. Composers experimented
with new instruments, such as the piccolo and contrabassoon to expand the
pitches of the orchestra. The other thing they varied was tempo.
Accelerandos and ritardandos were used more for variety along with the
rubato, a hesitation or pushing of the tempo.
Music in Society
In the earlier periods of music, composers had specific jobs, such as

writing for churches or courts. In the Romantic Period, more composers
became freelancers; Beethoven was one of the first. He inspired many
others to freelance and compose for their own pleasure. Much of the music
of this time was written for the middle class because they prospered due to
the industrial revolution. Because of this demand from the middle class,
public orchestras and operas became more popular. Conservatories began
forming in the first half of the nineteenth century throughout Europe. The
United States also welcomed conservatories in Chicago, Cleveland, Boston,
Ohio, and Philadelphia during the later nineteenth century. Music became a
big part of the home; many families had pianos of their own. Much of the
orchestra music was transcribed for the piano for private use. Many
composers did not have financial wealth; only a few had money to support
them in their suffering times.
Felix Mendelssohn
Links to Composer of the Romantic Period
Arrigo Boito (1842-1918)
Johannes Brahms (1833-1897)
Frederic Chopin (1810-1849)
Claude Debussy (1862-1918)
Antonin Dvorak (1841-1904)
Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847)
Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893)
The Twentieth Century 1900-1945
During the Twentieth Century, tone color became more important than
ever before. Many techniques that were considered uncommon before were
being used during this time. Many composers used noiselike and percussive
instruments. The glissando, a rapid slide up or down the scales, was used
more. The percussion instruments became a major part of twentieth century
music. They helped give variety of rhythm and tone colors. The music did
not blend as well as it did during the Romantic times because the composer
often wrote for each different section of the orchestra to have a different
tone color. Prior to 1900, chords in music were either considered consonant
of dissonant. Dissonant chords were becoming just as common as consonant
chords. The composer was no longer tied down to using traditional chords;
what they did was up to them and what sound they wanted to achieve.
Another key element of the Twentieth Century was the sway from the
traditional tonal system. From the 1600s up to the 1900s, songs had a
central tone, and were based on a major or minor scale. Many composers
now were getting away from the major and minor scales, and would
sometimes have more than one central tone. Just as composers were
expanding their tonal abilities, they expanded their rhythmic patterns. Many
emphasized irregularity and unpredictability. The different rhythmic patterns
were drawn from all over the world. The time signature would often change
in the middle of piece. Accents and other rhythmic irregularities would come
unexpectedly. Composers also wrote polyrhythmic music, where more than
one rhythm would be played at the same time by different sections. With all
the different tone colors, tonal systems, and varied rhythms, melodies of the
twentieth century became unpredictable.
Music in Society
Music has become an even greater part of society now, because of

recordings, radio broadcasts, and the ability to mass print copies of music for
anyone to play in the convenience of their home. At the beginning of the
twentieth century, though, many people did not accept these outrageous
new styles of music, so the composers mostly performed their less dramatic
pieces in concerts. Women became more active in the music world as
composers, virtuoso soloists, and educators. During the wars, women joined
the orchestras as players and conductors. During Hitlers reign in Europe,
many composers moved to the U.S. to look for work. The United States
became a powerful force for twentieth century music. Jazz, country, and
other popular music swept the world. American colleges and universities
have expanded music throughout the nation, educating countless numbers
of students. These colleges and universities now are what the churches and
nobility were in the past.
Links to Composers of the Twentieth Century
Bela Bartok (1881-1945)

Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990)
Carlos Chavez (1899-1978)
Aaron Copland (1900-1990)
George Gershwin (1898-1937)
Igor Stravinsky (1882-1971)
Works Cited
Essentials of Music. Sony Music Entertainment. 22 April 2002.

<http://www.essentialsofmusic.com>
Kamien, Roger. Music: An Appreciation. McGraw-Hill: New York, 2002.
Sherrane, Robert. Music History 102: Hector Berlioz. The Juilliard School,
New York. 15 March 2002.
<http://www.ipl.org/exhibit/mushist/rom/berlioz.htm>
Sherrane, Robert. Music History 102: The Middle Ages. The Juilliard School,
New York. 12 April 2002.
<http://www.ipl.org/exhibit/mushist/middle/index.htm>
http://webpages.shepherd.edu/BREICH01/
What is Music?
Dictionaries and encyclopedias define music as "an artistic form of auditory communication
incorporating instrumental or vocal tones in a structured and continuous manner." It is also
defined as "any pleasing and harmonious sound" and "the sounds produced by singers or musical
instruments." (Source: wordnet.princeton.edu)
There are a lot of definitions for music and it will take a whole book to explore the subject of
music.
If there is one true definition of music it is this; music is universal and yet it is also relative and
subjective. What may be music to one may not be so to another.
For me music is the singing of the birds, the whistling of my husband as he takes a shower, the
soft humming of my little girl as she quietly plays, the beautiful sounds a pianist produces as he
touches the keys of a piano...
Take a moment to ponder what the meaning of music is for you.
Origin and History of Music

There are many theories regarding when and where music originated. Many agree that music
began even before man existed. Historiographers point out that there are six periods of music and
each period has a particular style of music that greatly contributed to what music is today. Here
are some resources for you to better understand the history of music. Links are arranged
chronologically and is a great primer to learn more about every stage of music development.
Medieval/Middle Ages
Music during the Middle Ages is characterized by the beginning of musical notation
as well as polyphony. During this time, there were two general types of music styles;
the monophonic and the polyphonic.
Related Articles
During the Middle Ages or Medieval period, musical notation began as well as the birth of
polyphony. There was a remarkable continuity in musical styles categorized into monophonic
and polyphonic styles. Here is a brief timeline of music events during this period.
590 - 604
Development of the Gregorian Chant. It is also known as plain chant or plainsong and named
after Pope St. Gregory the Great. The said Pope was believed to have brought it to the West.
695
The development of organum, an early form of counterpoint.
1030
It was around this time when a new method to teach singing was invented by a monk and
choirmaster named Guido de Arezzo.
1098 - 1179
Hildegard von Bingen
1150 - 1250
The Notre Dame school of polyphony was the center of activity. Rhythmic notation first
appeared in this period. Also known as the ars antiqua; it is during this time when the motet
initially developed.
11th - 12th century

Time of liturgical drama, musical tradition of Europe. Also, the music of the troubadour and
trouvre, a vernacular tradition of monophonic secular song possibly accompanied by
instruments and singers. Guillaume d'Aquitaine was one of the well-known troubadours. Themes
were mostly of chivalry and courtly love.
12th - 14th century
(12th - 13th) - The age of the Goliards, a group of clergy who wrote satirical
Latin poetry to mock the church. Some known Goliards were Peter of Blois
and Walter of Chtillon.
{13th) - The spread of Geisslerlieder, these are songs of flagellants.

Flagellants practiced self-mortification by whipping themselves with various
instruments. Geisslerlieder music was simple and closely related to folk
songs.
(12th - 14th) - Birth of Minnesang, lyric and song writing in Germany much
like the troubadour tradition of France. Minnesingers mainly sang of courtly
love and some known minnesingers were Henric van Veldeke, Wolfram von
Eschenbach and Hartmann von Aue.
(14th) -The period of ars nova, coined by Philippe de Vitry. During this period, secular
music acquired polyphonic sophistication. The most notable practitioner of this style was
Guillaume de Machaut.
(1375 - 1475) - Known composers were Leonel Power, John Dunstable, Gilles Binchois,
and Guillaume Dufay.
The Rise of Secular Music

Instruments
During the Middle Ages music was seen as a gift from God and making music was a
way of praising the heavens for that gift. If you look at paintings during this period,
you'll notice that often, angels are depicted as playing different kinds of
instruments. Some of the instruments used are the lute, shawm, trumpet and harp.
Important Composers
Sacred music was overcome by secular music by the 14th century.
This type of music differed from sacred music because it dealt with themes that
were not spiritual (non-religious). Composers during this period experimented on
freer forms. One of the most important composers of that time was Guillaume de
Mauchaut who wrote both sacred and secular music. Another important composer
was Francesco Landini; a blind Italian composer. Landini wrote madrigals; a type of
vocal music based on secular poems set to music that had simpler melodies.
John Dunstable was an important composer from England who used third and sixth intervals
rather than the fourth and fifth intervals used earlier. Dunstable influenced many composers of
his time including Gilles Binchois and Guillaume Dufay; two known Burgundian composers.
Their works reflected early tonality. Tonality is a principle in music composition wherein at the
end of the piece there is a feeling of completion by going back to the tonic.
The tonic is the principal pitch of a composition.
Secular music flourished until the 15th century, afterward, choral music emerged.
(by Espie Estrella

Updated June 13, 2014 )
Renaissance
Renaissance means "rebirth" and in music this period brought about many changes in the way
music was created and perceived.
Renaissance Music Timeline

by Espie Estrella
Updated December 03, 2016
Renaissance or "rebirth," a period of significant changes in history, including music.
1400 - 1474 - Guillaume Dufay, known as the transitional figure to the Renaissance.
1450 - 1550 - During this period composers experimented with cantus firmus. Cantus firmus was
commonly used in the Middle Ages which was strongly based on the Gregorian Chant. Known
composers during this period were Johannes Ockeghem, Jacob Obrecht, and Josquin Desprez.
1517 - Protestant Reformation sparked by Martin Luther. Significant changes occurred to church
music such as the chorale, hymns that were meant to be sung by a congregation. Its earliest form
was monophonic and then evolved to four part harmony. It was also the period when psalms of
the Bible were translated into French and then set to music.
1550 - Catholic Counter-Reformation. The Council of Trent met from 1545 to 1563 to discuss
complaints against the church including its music.
1500 - 1550 - The French Chanson, a polyphonic French song that was originally for 2 to 4
voices. During the Renaissance, composers were less restricted to the formes fixes (fixed form)
of chansons and experimented on new styles that were similar to contemporary motets and
liturgical music. Known composers during this period were Clment Janequin and Claudin de
Sermisy.
1500 - 1620 - Italian Madrigal, polyphonic secular music that was performed in groups of 4 to 6
singers who sang mostly love songs.
There were three periods of the Italian Madrigal
1500 - 1540 - Known composers were Adrian Willaert and Jacob Arcadelt.
1540 - 1570 - Known composers were again Adrian Willaert and Orlando Lassus.
1570 - 1610 - Known composers were Luca Marenzio, Carlo Gesualdo, and Claudio
Monteverdi. Monteverdi is also known as the transitional figure to the Baroque music
era.
1570 -1605 - John Farmer, English madrigal composer.
1525 - 1594 - Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, known as the High Renaissance composer of
Counter-Reformation sacred music. During this period Renaissance polyphony reached its
height.
1548 - 1611 - Tomas Luis de Victoria, known Spanish composer during the Renaissance who
composed mainly sacred music.
1554 - 1612 - Giovanni Gabrielli, known composer in Venetian High Renaissance music who
wrote instrumental and church music.
1543 - 1623 - William Byrd, leading English composer of the late Renaissance who composed
church, secular, consort and keyboard music.
1563 - 1626 - John Dowland, known for his lute music in Europe and composed beautiful
melancholic music.
Music Forms and Styles of the Renaissance
Humanism in Music
In Italy during the Renaissance, a new philosophy called "humanism" developed. The emphasis
of humanism is on the quality of life on earth, much different from earlier beliefs that life should
be viewed as a preparation for death.
By this time the influence of the Church on the arts grew weak, composers and their patrons
were ready for new artistic ideas. Flemish composers and musicians were summoned to teach
and perform in Italian courts and the invention of printing helped spread these new ideas.
Imitative Counterpoint
Josquin Desprez became one of the most important composers of this period. His music was
widely published and appreciated in Europe. Desprez wrote both sacred and secular music,
focusing more on motets of which he wrote over a hundred. He utilized what is known as
"imitative counterpoint," wherein each voice part enters successively using the same note
patterns. Imitative counterpoint was used by French and Burgundian composers in writing
chansons, or secular poems set to music for instruments and solo voices.
Madrigals
By the 1500s, the simplicity of earlier madrigals was replaced by more elaborate forms, using 4
to 6 voice parts. Claudio Monteverdi was one of the leading Italian composers of madrigals.
Religion and Music

Religious Reformation occurred in the early half of the 1500s. Martin Luther, a German priest,
wanted to reform the Roman Catholic Church. He spoke to the Pope and those holding positions
in the church about the need to change certain Catholic practices.
Luther also wrote and published 3 books in 1520. Sensing that his pleas were left unheard,
Luther sought the help of princes and feudal lords which lead to a political uprising. Luther was
one of the forerunners of Protestantism which eventually led to the founding of the Lutheran
Church. Luther kept certain elements of the Latin liturgy in his religious services.
Other Protestant denominations were established as a result of the Reformation. In France,

another Protestant named John Calvin sought to eliminate music from worship. In Switzerland,
Huldreich Zwingli likewise believed that music should be removed from worship as well as holy
images and statues. In Scotland, John Knox founded the Church of Scotland.
There were changes within the Catholic Church as well. A need for simpler melodies that did not
overpower the text were sought. Giovanni Perlugi de Palestrina was one of the prominent
composers during this time.
Instrumental Music
By the second half of the 1500s, instrumental music began to take shape. The instrumental
canzone made use of brass instruments; music for keyboard instruments such as the clavichord,
harpsichord and organ were also written. The lute was widely used at that time, both to
accompany singing and for instrumental music. At first only instruments of the same family were
played together, but eventually, mixed instruments were used.
Renaissance Musical Instruments The Shawm, The Dulcian and The Trumpet
Wind Instruments
By: Espie Estrella
Updated November 29, 2016
Wind instruments produce sound by a vibrating column of air, either using a reed or a musician's
lips. It is classified into two groups; woodwinds and brasswinds. In Ancient civilization, wind
instruments made of animal horns were used as a warning signal.
Baroque
The word "baroque" comes from the Italian word "barocco" which means bizarre.
The Baroque period was a time when composers experimented with form, styles
and instruments. This period saw the development of opera and instrumental music.
Baroque Music Timeline

by Espie Estrella
The word "baroque" comes from the Italian word "barocco" which means bizarre. This word was
first used to describe the style of architecture mainly in Italy during the 17th and 18th century.
Later on, the word baroque was used to describe the music styles of the 1600s to the 1700s. The
Baroque period was a time when composers experimented with form, styles, and instruments.
This period saw the development of opera and instrumental music.
The violin was also considered an important musical instrument during this time.
1573 - The first known meeting of the Florentine Camerata, a group of musicians who
came together to discuss various subjects including the arts. It is said that the members
were interested in reviving the Greek dramatic style. Both the monodies and the opera are
believed to have come out from their discussions and experimentation. Some of the
known members of the Florentine Camerata are Jacopo Peri and Claudio Monteverdi
1597 - The period of the early opera which will last until 1650. Opera is generally defined
as a stage presentation or work that combines music, costumes, and scenery to relay a
story. Most operas are sung, with no spoken lines. During the Baroque period, operas
were derived from ancient Greek tragedy and there was often an overture at the
beginning, a solo part and both an orchestra and chorus are present. Some examples of
early operas are "Eurydice" which had two settings; one by Jacopo Peri and the other by
Giulio Caccini. Another example is "Orpheus" and "Coronation of Poppea" by Claudio
Monteverdi.
1600 - Start of monody which will last until the 1700s. Monody refers to an accompanied
solo music. Examples of early monody can be found in the book Le Nuove Musiche by
Giulio Caccini. The said book is a collection of songs for the figured bass and solo voice,
it also included madrigals. Le Nuove Musiche is considered one of Caccini's most
important work.
1650 - During this era, musicians did a lot of improvisation. The basso continuo or
figured bass is music created by combining keyboard music and one or more bass
instruments. The period from 1650 to 1750 is known as the Age of Instrumental Music
where other forms of music developed including the suite and sonata.
1700 - Until 1750 this is known as the High Baroque period. Italian opera became more
expressive and expansive. The composer/violinist Arcangelo Corelli became known and
music for the harpsichord was also given importance. Bach and Handel are known as the
figures of the late Baroque music. Other forms of music like the canons and fugues
evolved during this time.
Music Forms and Styles of the Baroque Period
by Espie Estrella
Venice and the Opera

In 1573, a group of musicians and intellectuals came together to discuss various subjects,
especially the desire to revive Greek drama. This group of individuals is known as the Florentine
Camerata. They wanted lines to be sung instead of simply being spoken. From this came the
opera which existed in Italy around 1600. The composer Claduio Monteverdi was an important
contributor, specifically his opera Orfeo; the first opera to gain public acclaim.
At first, the opera was only for the upper class or aristocrats but soon even the general public
patronized it. Venice became the center of musical activity; in 1637, a public opera house was
built there. Different singing styles were developed for the opera such as
recitative - imitating the pattern and rhythm of speech
aria - when a character expresses feelings through a flowing melody
bel canto - Italian for "beautiful singing"
castrato - During the Baroque period, young boys were castrated before
they reached puberty to avoid the deepening of the voice. Main roles of the
opera were written for the castrato.
St. Mark's Basilica

This basilica in Venice became an important venue for musical experiments during the early
Baroque period. The composer Giovanni Gabrielli wrote music for St. Mark's as well as
Monteverdi and Stravinsky. Gabrielli experimented with choral and instrumental groups,
positioning them in different sides of the basilica and making them perform alternately or in
unison.
Gabrielli also experimented in the contrasts of sound - fast or slow, loud or soft.
Musical Contrast
During the Baroque period, composers experimented with musical contrasts that differed greatly
from the music of the Renaissance. They used what is known as a melodic soprano line
supported by a bass line.
Music became homophonic, meaning it was based on one melody with harmonic support coming
from a keyboard player. Tonality was divided into major and minor.
Favorite Themes and Musical Instruments

Ancient myths were a favorite theme of Baroque opera composers. Instruments used were brass,
strings, especially violins (Amati and Stradivari), harpsichord, organ, and cello.
Other Music Forms

Aside from the opera, composers also wrote numerous sonatas, concerto grosso, and choral
works. It is important to point out that composers at the time were employed by the Church or
the aristocrats and as such were expected to produce compositions in large volumes, at times in a
moments notice.
In Germany, organ music using the toccata form was popular. Toccata is an instrumental piece
that alternates between improvisation and contrapuntal passages. From the toccata emerged what
is known as prelude and fugue, an instrumental music beginning with a short "free style" piece
(prelude) followed by a contrapuntal piece using imitative counterpoint (fugue).
Other music forms of the Baroque period are the chorale prelude, Mass ,and oratorio,
Notable Composers
Jean Baptiste-Lully - Wrote Italian opera
Domenico Scarlatti - Over 500 sonatas for the harpsichord
Antonio Vivaldi - Wrote operas and over 400 concertos
George Frideric Handel - Composed operas and oratorios, the most famous of
which is "Messiah."
Johann Sebastian Bach - Composed thousands of works in various forms,

excluding the opera.
Baroque Musical Instruments: The Violin, Viola, Double Bass, Harp, Oboe, Bassoon
and Trombone
Images of String Musical Instruments
1 .Violin
String music instruments are those that produce sound when strummed, plucked or slapped.
Here are images of string instruments and links to more information.
The violin is believed to have evolved from the Rebec and the Lira da braccio. In Europe, the
earliest four stringed violin was used in the first part of the century.
Violins are fairly easy to start learning and is mostly suitable for children 6 years and older. They
come in a variety of sizes, from full size to 1/16, depending on the age of the learner. Violins are
very popular and in demand so if you become a professional player it wouldn't be hard to join an
orchestra or any musical group. Remember to opt for non-electric violins as it is more adequate
for beginning students.
2.viola
The first violas are believed to have been made in the 15th century and evolved from the viola de
braccio (Italian for "arm viol"). During the 18th century, the viola was used to play the part of the
cello. Although not a solo instrument, the viola is an important member of a string ensemble.
The viola may look like a violin but it certainly has its' own unique tone. It is tuned a fifth lower
than the violin and functions as the tenor instrument in a string ensemble. Violas didn't enjoy
immediate prominence when it first emerged. But thanks to great composers such as Mozart.
Strauss and Bartk, the viola has become an integral part of every string ensemble.
3.ukulele
The word ukulele is Hawaiian for "leaping flea". The ukulele is like a small guitar and is a
descendant of the machete or machada. The machada was brought into Hawaii by the Portuguese
during the 1870's. It has four strings that is under 24 inches long.
The ukulele is one of Hawaii's most popular musical instrument. It became more widely used
during the 20th century and popularized by musicians such as Eddie Karnae and Jake
Shimabukuro. It is like a small guitar but its tone is much lighter.
4.mandolin
The mandolin is a bowed string instrument believed to have evolved from the lute and emerged
during the 18th century. The mandolin has a pear-shaped body and 4 pairs of strings.
The mandolin is another music instrument that belongs to the string family. One of the most
popular brand of mandolins is the Gibson, named after the luthier Orville Gibson.
5. harp
The harp is one of the oldest musical instruments; archaeologists discovered a wall painting in
Ancient Egyptian tombs which resembled that of a harp and dates back to 3000 BC.
The harp is surprisingly easy to start. There are piano students who learn to play the harp with
little difficulty because both instruments require reading music pieces in double-stave. Harps
come in small sizes for kids age 8 years upwards and bigger harps for students 12 years and
older. There are not a lot of people who play the harp and finding a teacher may be difficult.
Nevertheless, it is one of the most beautiful sounding instruments and it's worth learning if you
desire.
6. Guitar
The origin of guitars may have dated back to 1900-1800 B.C. in Babylonia. Archaeologists
found a clay plaque showing nude figures holding musical instruments, some of which
resembled the guitar.
The guitar is one of the most popular musical instruments and is suitable for students age 6
years upwards. Folk styles are easier to start with and remember to opt for non-electric guitars if
you're a beginner. Guitars come in a variety of sizes and styles to suit any students' need. Guitars
are a mainstay in most music ensembles and you can also play it solo and still sound appealing
7.double bass
In 1493, there was mention about "viols as big as myself" by Prospero and in 1516 there was an
illustration closely resembling that of a double bass.
This instrument is like a huge cello and is played the same way, by rubbing the bow across the
strings. Another way of playing it is by plucking or striking the strings. Double bass can be
played while standing up or sitting down and is suitable for kids 11 years and older. It also comes
in various sizes from full size, 3/4, 1/2 and smaller. The double bass isn't as popular as other
string instruments but is essential in most kinds of ensemble especially jazz bands.
8. Cello
Another instrument that is fairly easy to start and suitable for kids 6 years and
older. It is essentially a large violin but its' body is thicker. It is played the same way
as the violin, by rubbing the bow across the string. But where you can play the violin
standing up, the cello is played sitting down while holding it between your legs. It
also comes in different sizes from full size to 1/4. The first known maker of cellos
was Andrea Amati of Cremona during the 1500's.
9. Banjo
A banjo is a stringed instrument that is played using different techniques such as

the Scruggs-style or the "clawhammer". It also comes in different types and some
manufacturers even experimented on other forms by blending the banjo with
another instrument. The banjo originated from Africa and in the 19th century was
brought into America by slaves. In its' earliest form it had four gut strings
Classical period
The music of the Classical period, which spans from 1750 to 1820, is characterized
by simpler melodies and forms such as the sonatas. The piano was undoubtedly the
primary instrument used by composers during the Classical period.
Music Events During the Classical Period
1750 to 1820
by Espie Estrella
The music of the Classical period, which spans from 1750 to 1820, is characterized by simpler
melodies and forms such as the sonatas. The piano was undoubtedly the primary instrument used
by composers during this period. Here's a timeline of important events in music history which
happened during the 1750s all the way to 1820.
1750 - Johann Sebastian Bach died. Also, in chamber music, the string quartet (consists
of 2 violins, viola and cello) was popular. In New York, John Gay's "The Beggar's Opera"
was performed.
1751 - In Europe, the minuet was a popular dance.
1752 - The composer and piano prodigy, Muzio Clementi was born.
1753 - Italian composer and violinist, Giovanni Viotti, was born.
1756 - The Austrian composer, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, was born.
1757 - The Italian composers Niccolo Pasquali and Domenico Scarlatti passed away.
Johann Stamitz, a German composer also died.
1759 - Baroque composer George Frederic Handel passed away.
1761 - Franz Joseph Haydn, an important figure in Classical music history, worked as
Kapellmeister for Prince Pl Antal Esterhzy. Haydn was instrumental in establishing
the symphony and string quartet.
1762 - Benjamin Franklin improved the glass harmonica. In Charleston, South Carolina,
a musical group called St. Cecilia Society was founded. Now aged 6, music
prodigy Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart toured Europe. Also, "Orfeo ed Euridice"
by Christoph Willibald Gluck was created.
1764 - Johann Christian Bach performed in London. Also, Mozart wrote his first
symphony.
1767 - German composer Georg Philipp Telemann passed away. CPE Bach succeeded
him as director of church music in Hamburg.
1769 - Junipero Srra led a group of Franciscan friars on a mission to teach Native
Americans polyphony and plainsong.
1770 - German composer Ludwig van Beethoven was born. Also, the New England
Psalm Singer, the first collection of music composed in America, was published by
William Billings. In New York, Handel's "Messiah," was first performed. Meanwhile,
Johann Christian Bach published his "6 Concerti for pianoforte," Op. 7.
1773 - In Vienna, the waltz was popular.
1776 - La Scala, a major opera venue was built in Milan. Also, a book on the history of
music was published by Charles Burney.
1778 - Ludwig van Beethoven was presented by his father as a music prodigy. Also, La
Scala opened.
1780 - Sebastiano Carezo invented the Spanish dance called "bolero."
1781 - The great classical musician, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, moved to Vienna where
he created some of his most popular works.
1782 - Johann Christian Bach passed away. Also, Italian composer and violinist Niccolo
Paganini was born.
1784 - Wilhelm Freidemann Bach passed away.
1786 - In Vienna, Mozart's " The Marriage of Figaro," premiered. Also, German
composer Carl Maria von Weber was born.
1787 - Mozart's father, Leopold, passed away. In Prague, Mozart's "Don Giovanni,"
premiered.
1788 - CPE Bach passed away.

1790 - In Vienna, Mozart's "Cosi fan tutte," premiered.
1791 - Austrian composer, Carl Czerny, and German composer, Giacomo Meyerbeer,
were born. In Vienna, Mozart's "Magic Flute," was first performed. Mozart also passed
away on the same year. Also, Haydn's first London Symphonies was performed.
1792 - Haydn becomes Beethoven's teacher. Also, Italian composer Gioacchino

Rossini was born.
1793 - Niccolo Paganini debuted as a violin virtuoso at age 11.
1795 - The Paris Conservatory of Music was founded.
1797 - Italian composer Gaetano Donizetti and Austrian composer Franz Schubert were
born.
1801 - Beethoven's "Symphony #1 in C Major" was first performed in Vienna.
1803 - The master of orchestration, Louis-Hector Berlioz, was born.
1809 - Felix Mendelssohn, one of the most prolific composers of the Romantic period,
was born.
1810 - On this year, two great Romantic composers were born; Fryderyk Franciszek
Chopin and Robert Schumann
1811 - The figurehead of the New German school and the piano virtuoso Franz Liszt was
born.
1813 - The German Composer Richard Wagner was born. That same year, Giuseppe
Verdi, another composer of opera music, was born. Another major event happened on this
year, E.T.A. Hoffmann proposed his idea of "the artist as spiritual hero" which became an
important theme during the Romantic period.
1818 - The French composer, Charles Gounod, was born.
1819 - Clara Wieck Schumann, the foremost female composer of the 19th century, was
born.
Music of the Classical Period

Style Galant
By the early 1700s, French and Italian composers used the "style gallant" or gallant style; a
simple yet more direct style of music. During this time, the aristocrats weren't the only ones who
appreciated music, but those in the middle class as well. So composers wanted to create music
that was less complicated; easy to understand. The people grew disinterested with themes of
ancient myths and instead favored themes they could relate to.
This trend transcended not only to music but also to other art forms. Bach's son, Johann
Christian, used the gallant style.
Sentimental Style
In Germany a similar style called "sentimental style" or smfindsamer stil were adapted by
composers. This style of music reflected feelings and situations experienced in daily life. Largely
different from Baroque music which was mostly flamboyant, new music styles during the
Classical period had simpler harmony and clearer tonality.
Opera
The type of opera audiences preferred during this period was the comic opera.
Also known as light opera, this type of opera often tackles light, not so delicate
subject matter where the ending often has a happy resolution. Other forms of this
opera are opera buffa and operetta. In this type of opera, the dialogue is often
spoken and not sung. An example of this is La serva padrona ("The Maid as
Mistress") by Giovanni Battista Pergolesi.
Other Music Forms
Overture - Has three sections, a fast intro, a slow middle section and a fast
ending.
Symphony - Has 3, sometimes 4 movements. The beginning is moderately

fast, next section is slow followed by a minuet and then a very fast
conclusion.
Sonata allegro - Also called sonata, this is one of the most important music
forms of this period. This type of music is written for a solo instrument, or a
solo instrument with accompaniment; having three or four movements, each
complete in itself. Also used to define the first movement of a symphony like
that of Haydn's symphonies.
Musical Instruments
Musical instruments of the orchestra included a string section and pairs of bassoons, flutes, horns
and oboes. The harpsichord was eliminated and was replaced by the pianoforte.
Notable Composers
Johann Stamitz - Organized the Mannheim orchestra, made use of

crescendo and diminuendo effects in his music.
Franz Joseph Haydn - Wrote hundreds of symphonies, also sonatas and

string quartets.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - Composed symphonies, sonatas, string

quartets, operas (e.g. "Marriage of Figaro"), Mass settings and concertos.
Ludwig van Beethoven - The first major composer who contributed to the
shift of a composer's social status - from a servant to an artist.
Classical Musical Instruments: The Piano
Romantic period
Historiographers define the Romantic Music period to be between 1800 to 1900. It is

characterized by using music to tell a story or express an idea, and the use of
various instruments including wind instruments. Melodies are fuller and more
dramatic.
Romantic Music Timeline
Corbis via Getty Images / Getty Images

by Espie Estrella
Historiographers define the Romantic period to be between 1800 to 1900. It is characterized by

using music to tell a story or express an idea, the use of various instruments including wind
instruments and melodies are fuller and more dramatic. Here is a timeline of music-related
events from 1821 to 1900 to give you an idea of the major music events that occurred during the
Romantic Period.
1821 - The harmonica was invented by Friedrich Buschmann.
1825 - Carl Almenrder redesigned the French bassoon.
1826 - Carl Maria von Weber died.
1827 - Ludwig van Beethoven died.

1828 - Franz Schubert died.
1829 - Felix Mendelssohn conducted the first modern performance of J.S. Bach's "St.
Matthew Passion."
1830 - Louis-Hector Berlioz completed his "Symphonie Fantastique."
1831 - Vincenzo Bellini's opera, Norma, was first performed at La Scala in Milan.
1832 - Frdric Chopin performed his "Piano Concerto in F Minor" and the "Variations,
opus 2" in Paris.
1833 - Johannes Brahms was born.
1838 - Georges Bizet was born. Also in the same year in Scotland, music was published
in Braille notation.
1840 - Pyotr Il'Yich Tchaikovsky was born and Niccol Paganini died. Also,
the clarinet was redesigned giving it its mature form.
1841 - Felix Mendelssohn became the director of the Leipzig Conservatory.
1842 - The New York Philharmonic Orchestra was founded.
1846 - Adolphe Sax patented his first saxophone.
1847 - Felix Mendelssohn died.
1849 - Frederic Chopin died.
1853 - Giuseppe Verdi wrote his "La traviata."
1856 - Henry Engelhard Steinway created his first grand piano.
1858 - The Italian composer Giacomo Puccini was born.
1859 - In New Orleans, Louisiana, the first opera house was opened.
1862 - Claude DeBussy, one of the most influential composers of his time, was born.
1864 - The German composer, Richard Strauss was born.
1867 - Amy Beach, the first major American female composer, was born.
1868 - Gioacchino Rossini died.
1869 - Louis-Hector Berlioz died. In the same year, the opera "Faust" by Charles
Gounod was first performed in Paris.
1874 - The Austro-Hungarian composer, Arnold Schnberg and the American

composer, Charles Ives, were born.
1875 - The opera "Carmen" by Georges Bizet was first performed in Paris. He would also
pass away that year.
1876 - Edvard Grieg wrote the incidental music for Ibsen's "Peer Gynt."
1877 - "Requiem" by Gabriel Faur was first performed in Paris. That same year, Thomas
Edison patented the phonograph, which would change the way people listened to music.
Also, "Swan Lake" by Tchaikovsky, was first performed in Moscow.
1881 - One of the major 20th-century composers, Bla Bartk, was born.
1882 - The Russian composer, Igor Stravinsky, was born. That same year, Hugo Riemann
published his Musiklexikon; a study of musical harmony.
1883 - The Metropolitan Opera Association opened in New York and Richard
Wagner died after completing his final work "Parsifal."
1886 - Franz Liszt died and in Vienna, "Te Deum" by Anton Bruckner was first
performed.
1889 - The famous cabaret, "Moulin Rouge," opened in Paris.
1891 - Carnegie Hall opened in New York City.
1897 - Johannes Brahms died and Gustav Mahler became director of the Vienna Art
Opera.
1899 - Scott Joplin published his Maple Leaf Rag.
1900 - Giacomo Puccini's opera, "Tosca," premiered in Rome.
Music of the Romantic Period

Beethoven and Romanticism
Ludwig van Beethoven - Contributed to the composer's shift in status from

merely a servant of the wealthy to an artist. Wrote choral, chamber music
and opera. Briefly studied under Haydn, was also influenced by the works of
Mozart. He used dissonance in his music which intrigued his listeners.
Beethoven began to lose his hearing at age 28, losing it completely by age
50. One of his most popular works is the Ninth Symphony. He influenced a
new crop of young composers guided by the ideals of Romanticism.
What is Romanticism?
Romanticism or the Romantic movement was a concept that encompassed different art mediums;
from music to painting to literature. The Romantics believed in allowing their imagination and
passion to soar spontaneously and interpret it through their works. This was different from the
Classical belief of logical order and clarity. During the 19th century, Vienna and Paris were the
centers of musical activity.
Music Forms/Styles
Program music - An instrumental music which relays ideas or narrates a

story. Berlioz' Fantastic Symphony is an example of this.
Character pieces - A short piece for the piano that depicts a single emotion,
often in ABA form.
Musical Instrument
The piano was still the main instrument during the Early Romantic period. The piano underwent
many changes and composers brought the piano to new heights of creative expression.
Notable Composers/Musicians
Franz Schubert - Wrote about 600 lieders (German songs). One of his most
famous pieces is titled Unfinished named so because it only has 2
movements.
Hector Berlioz - His Fantastic Symphony was written for a stage actress he
fell in love with. Included the harp and English horn in his symphonies.
Franz Liszt - His Fantastic Symphony was inspired by one of Berlioz' works.
Developed the symphonic poem; making use of chromatic devices.
Frederic Chopin - Wrote character pieces for solo piano.

Robert Schumann - Also wrote character pieces; some of his works were
performed by Clara, his wife.
Giuseppe Verdi - Wrote many operas with patriotic themes. Two of his most
famous works are Otello and Falstaff.
Nationalism in Music
During the 19th century, Germany was also a center of musical activity. By the mid-
19th century however, music themes shifted to folklore and folk music became a
style that influenced composers. This nationalist theme can be felt in the music of
Russia, eastern Europe and Scandinavian countries.
The Mighty Handful

This term, also known as "the mighty five," is used to distinguish the 5 Russian nationalist
composers of the 19th century.
They include Balakirev, Borodin, Cui, Mussogrsky and Rimsky-Korsakov.
Other Music Forms/Styles
Verismo - A style of Italian opera wherein the story reflects daily life but with
emphasis on intense, sometimes violent, actions and emotions. This style is
particularly evident in the works of Giacomo Puccini.
Symbolism - A concept introduced by Sigmund Freud that influenced various

art mediums. This attempt to convey a composer's personal struggles in a
symbolic manner can be felt in the works of Gustav Mahler
Notable Composers
Richard Wagner - He was influenced by the works of Beethoven and Liszt.

Started composing operas at age 20; he coined the term "music dramas."
Wagner took the opera to a different level by making use of larger orchestras
and applying musical themes to his work. He called these musical themes
leitmotiv or leading motive. One of his famous work is The Ring of the
Nibelung.
Johannes Brahms - He was also influenced by the works of Beethoven. He

wrote what is called as "abstract music." Brahms wrote character pieces for
the piano, lieders, quartets, sonatas and symphonies. He was a friend of
Robert and Clara Schumann.
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky - He wrote concertos, symphonic poems and

symphonies. Known for his expressive music.
Antonin Dvorak - His Symphony No. 9, from The New World was influenced
by his stay in America during the 1890s.
Edvard Grieg - Norwegian composer who drew upon the national folklore of
his beloved country as basis for his music.
Richard Strauss - He was influenced by the works of Wagner. Wrote

symphonic poems and operas; known for the lavish, sometimes shocking
scenes in his operas.
Romantic Musical Instruments: The Flute, The Saxophone and The Tuba
The flute is considered one of the oldest man-made musical instruments. In 1995, archaeologists
found in Eastern Europe a flute made of bone that dates back some 43,000 to 80,000 years old.
Flutes generally fit into two basic categories:
Side-Blown Flute
Also known as a transverse flute, a side-blown flute is held horizontally or sideways to play.
End-blown Flute
An end-blown flute is played by blowing the end of a tube or pipe.
End-blown flutes have two sub-categories:
Rim-blown Flutes - Also known as notched flutes, a rim-blown flute is

played by blowing across the top of a tube. The air is split because the tube
has a notch or a sharp edge.
Duct Flutes - Also known as a fipple flute, a duct flute played by blowing air
into a channel. The air travels across a sharp edge.
Most flutes fit into those two basic categories. When we speak of modern flutes, however, there
are six main types, all of which are side-blown:
Bass Flute in C: This flute evolved during the 1920s as a substitute for the saxophone in jazz
music. It is pitched one octave lower than the ordinary flute.
Alto Flute in G: This type of flute has a history over 100 years old. The alto flute is a
transposing instrument, meaning that music written for it is in a different pitch than it's actual
sound. The alto flute is notated a 4th above its actual sound.
Tenor Flute: Also called the flute d'amore in B flat. This type of flute is believed to have been in
existence since Medieval times. It is pitched one step lower than the C flute.
Concert Flute in C: This type of flute's pitch is in C and its range is over three octaves, starting
from middle C.
Soprano Flute in E Flat: It has a range of three octaves, and is equivalent to a concert C flute.
Treble Flute in G: It has a three-octave range starting from g1. The G treble flute is usually
responsible for the melody. It is also a transposing instrument, its pitch is a 4th lower than its
actual sound.
Saxophone
The saxophone is known as a single-reed musical instrument that is a staple in jazz bands.
Considered to be newer than other musical instruments in terms of its music history, the
saxophone was invented by Antoine-Joseph (Adolphe) Sax.
Adolphe Sax was born on Nov. 6, 1814, in Dinant, Belgium. His father, Charles, was a maker of
musical instruments. During his youth, Adolphe studied the clarinet and flute at Brussels
Conservatory.
His father's passion for creating musical instruments influenced him greatly and he began plans
to improve the tone of the bass clarinet. What he came up with was a single-reed instrument
constructed from metal that has a conical bore and overblows at the octave.
1841 - Adolphe Sax first showed his creation (a C bass saxophone) to the composer Hector
Berlioz. The great composer was impressed by the uniqueness and versatility of the instrument.
1842 - Adolphe Sax went to Paris. On June 12, Hector Berlioz published an article in the Paris
magazine "Journal des Debats" describing the saxophone.
1844 - Adolphe Sax reveals his creation to the public through the Paris Industrial Exhibition. On
February 3 of that same year, Adolphe's good friend Hector Berlioz conducts a concert featuring
his choral work. Hector's choral work arrangement is called Chant Sacre and it featured the
saxophone. In December, the saxophone had its orchestral debut at the Paris Conservatory
through the opera "Last King of Juda" by Georges Kastner.
1845 - French military bands during this time used oboes, bassoons, and french horns, but
Adoplhe replaced these with the Bb and Eb saxhorns.
1846 - Adolphe Sax obtained a patent for his saxophones that had 14 variations. Among them
are: E flat sopranino, F sopranino, B flat soprano, C soprano, E flat alto, F alto, B flat tenor, C
tenor, E flat baritone, B flat bass, C bass, E flat contrabass and F contrabass.
1847 - On February 14 in Paris, a saxophone school was created. It was set up at "Gymnase
Musical," a military band school.
1858 - Adolphe Sax became a professor at the Paris Conservatory.
1866 - The patent for the saxophone expired and the Millereau Co. patents the saxophone
featuring a forked F# key.
1875 - Goumas patented the saxophone with a fingering similar to the clarinet's Boehm system.
1881 - Adolphe extends his original patent for the saxophone. He also made changes to the
instrument such as lengthening the bell to include Bb and A and extending the instrument's range
to F# and G using the fourth octave key.
1885 - The first saxophone was built in the US by Gus Buesher.
1886 - The saxophone underwent changes again, the right-hand C trill key was devised and half-
hole system for the first fingers of both hands.
1887 - The predecessor of the articulated G# Evette and Schaeffer and tuning ring was invented
by the Association Des Ouvriers.
1888 - The single octave key for the saxophone was invented and rollers for low Eb and C was
added.
1894 - Adolphe Sax died. His son, Adolphe Edouard, took over the business.
After Adolphe's death, the saxophone proceeded to undergo changes, books for the saxophone
were published and composers/musicians continued to include the sax in their performances.
In 1914 the saxophone entered the world of jazz bands. In 1928 the Sax factory was sold to the
Henri Selmer Company. To this day many manufacturers of musical instruments create their own
line of saxophones and it continues to enjoy a prominent position in jazz bands.
20th Century
Music during the 20th century brought about many innovations on how music was
performed and appreciated. Artists were more willing to experiment on new music
forms and used technology to enhance their compositions.
20th Century Music Timeline: From 1900 to 1960 and From 1961 to 1999
Music of the 20th Century - Part 1
1900 - 1960
by Espie Estrella
1900 - In Helsinki, Jean Sibelius' Finlandia premiered and in Rome, Giacomo
Puccini's opera Tosca premiered.
1901 - In Munich, Gustav Mahler's Fourth Symphony debuts.
1902 - In London, Enrico Caruso's debut singing in Rigoletto. That same year, Claude
DeBussy introduced the concept of impressionism through his work Pellas and
Mlisande at the Opra Comique in Paris.
1903 - Pope Pius X helped restore the importance of Gregorian Chant in the Catholic
church.
1904 - The London Symphony Orchestra was founded.
1906 - Interest in the music of central Europe was sparked by the publication of a book
called Hungarian Folk Songs by Bela Bartok and Zoltan Kodaly.
1908 - Arnold Schoenberg published Book of Hanging Gardens which introduced the
concept of dissonance.
1909 - Arnold Schoenberg composed his atonal works Opus 11, No. 1, and Five
Orchestral Pieces, Opus 16.
1910 - Igor Stravinsky finished his work The Firebird.
1911 - In Dresden, Richard Strauss' Der Rosenkavalier premiered.
1913 - At the Thtre des Champs lyses, a riot ensued during the premiere of Igor
Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring.
1914 - The Irish composer Victor Herbert helped to establish the American Society of
Composers, Arrangers, and Producers (ASCAP).
1916 - Charles Ives completed his Fourth Symphony.
1918 - In Riga, the Latvian National Opera was founded.
1919 - Chicago was jazz capital and Arnold Schoenberg introduced the concept of
serialism; a composition where a melodic line is repeated.
1921 - Arnold Schoenberg composed his Piano Suite, Opus 25 which was his first 12-
tone work.
1922 - The British Broadcasting Corporation was established.

1924 - In New York, Julliard School opened and George Gershwin's Rhapsody in
Blue premiered. In Paris, Maurice Ravel's Bolero opened.
1925 - In Berlin, Alban Berg's Wozzeck premiered. In Nashville, Tennessee. the Grand
Ole Opry was founded.
1928 - In Berlin, Die Dreigroschenoper by Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill premiered.
1931 - Billie Holiday's stature as jazz singer was established.
1934 - In Lenox, Massachusetts, the Berkshire Music Festival began.
1935 - Jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald starts her career with the Chick Webb orchestra.
1936 - The debut of electric guitars.
1937 - In Basel, Bela Bartok's Music for Strings, Percussion and Celesta premiered and
in New York, the Glenn Miller Band debuts.
1938 - Adagio for Strings by Samuel Barber premiered.
1939 - The Nat King Cole Trio was formed. Charles Parker moved to New York and
performed with Dizzy Gillespie and other jazz musicians.
1940 - Frank Sinatra established himself as a solo performer.
1942 - The release of Bing Crosby's "White Christmas."
1944 - Premiere of Appalachian Spring, a ballet by Aaron Copland. Also, Dizzy Gillespie
founded the "bop" orchestra. In London, Benjamin Britten's Peter Grimes premiered.
1946 - Virgil Thomson and Gertrude Stein worked on an opera about women's suffrage
called Louisiana Story.
1947 - Louis Armstrong formed his All Stars jazz ensemble.

Also, Oklahoma by Rodgers and Hammerstein opened on Broadway.
1948 - The 33 1/3 LP, or long-playing album, was introduced by Columbia Records.
Also, Charlie Parker experimented with "bebop" and Bill Monroe invented bluegrass
music.
1949 - Mahalia Jackson won in the French Academy's Grand Prix du Disc.
1951 - String Quartet #1 by Elliot Carter was first performed and NBC hires Gian Carlo
Menotti to write Amahl and the Night Visitors, the first opera for television.
1953 - Stockhausen composed Karlheinz Stockhausen's Elektronische Studie I, the first

composition using sine wave sounds.
1954 - Bill Haley and the Comets venture into the rock n' roll music form.
1956 - Elvis Presley establishes himself as the icon of rock n' roll.
1957 - In New York, West Side Story by Leonard Bernstein premiered. Also, Johnny
Cash established his stature as a country music artist.
1959 - Grammy Awards was sponsored by The National Academy of Recording Arts and
Sciences with Frank Sinatra winning Best Album for "Come Dance with Me." In London,
the Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields was founded by Neville Marriner. Also, Berry
Gordy, Jr. founded the Motown Recording Corporation.
1960 - John Coltrane, with his newly formed quartet, fans the flames of the New Thing in
jazz.
20th Century Music Forms/Styles
Music of the 20th Century
by Espie Estrella
Music Forms/Styles
Impressionistic - A term derived from one of Monet's works - Impression,

Sunrise. In music it is applied to works of early 20th century composers such
as Debussy. Debussy rejected the rules of tonality and created music that is
pleasing to the ears as impressionist paintings are appealing to the eyes. This
resulted in music that was relaxed, almost dreamlike.
12-tone System - A term mainly attributed to Arnold Schoenberg. Schoenberg wanted to

eliminate the tonal center and developed a technique called 12-tone system wherein all
the 12 notes of the octave are of equal importance. The 12 notes are placed in a specific
order called a "tone-row" or "tone-series," and no note is repeated within a row. This
evoked music that felt anxious and unresolved.
Neoclassical - A term applied to the music of early 20th century composers like
Stravinsky which reflects 18th century music. Stravinsky's works, particularly after the
highly acclaimed The Rite of Spring, did not emphasize tonality but felt restrained.
Stravinsky was discovered by Sergei Diaghilev, the producer of the Ballet Rouse. His
earlier works reflected influences from Debussy,;/qt/dissonance.htm]dissonance and
irregular rhythmic patterns.
otable Composers/Musicians
Alban Berg - Austrian composer who adapted the atonal style, also referred
to as the classicist of modern music.
Anton von Webern - Austrian composer belonging to the 12-tone Viennese

school.
Jean Sibelius- Finnish composer, conductor and teacher especially known for
his orchestral works and symphonies.
Edward Elgar - English composer, who, according to Richard Strauss, was

the "first English progressive musician".
Ralph Vaughan Williams - English composer of nationalistic music.
Bela Bartok - Hungarian composer and renowned ethnomusicologist.
Ernest Bloch - Swiss composer of spiritual music.
Charles Ives - The first known composer of polytonal pieces.
Prior to and after World War 2, the United States became a center of musical activity. Many
composers from Europe moved to the US, some of them even became faculty members.
Music Forms/Styles
Jazz - Jazz can be traced back to earlier African-American music styles. Jazz music is
particularly notable for its improvisation, harmonic progressions and syncopated
(modified) rhythms.
Concert Music - Many composers combined jazz music elements with other music styles
such as classical and blues. Music during this time also spoke of nationalistic fervor.
Some of the composers whose works were greatly appreciated were George Gershwin
(Rhapsody in Blue), Aaron Copland (Rodeo) and Dmitry Shostakovich (The Golden
Age).
Serialism - Based on Schoenberg's 12-tone system which was continued by his student
Anton von Webern. Mostly evident in the music of the 1950s and 60s but appreciation
was limited to university professors and their students. Serialism used a strict musical
formula that was difficult to play. Composers who used this technique were Milton
Babbitt and Pierre Boulez, to name a few.
Chance Music - Also called aleatoric or indeterminancy. A technique popularized by
John Cage wherein the composer gives the musician the freedom to interpret his music.
Electronic Music - Composers experimented with technology and how it affects certain
aspects of music such as melody and rhythm.
New Romanticism - A movement that began in eastern Europe. It is the desire for music
that was expressive, haunting and mysterious, much like the music of the past.
Composers who used this technique were George Crumb (Ancient Voices of Children)
and Gyorgy Ligeti (Lux Aeterna), among others.
Minimalism - Music that was simple, featured patterns that were repeated and supported
by a steady beat. The music of Steve Reich and Philip Glass were labeled as such.
Notable Composers/Musicians
Edgard Varese - One of the composers who experimented with music and
technology. He wrote a piece for an orchestra composed of solely percussion
instruments. Also experimented in taped music and electronic instruments.
Henry Cowell - American composer, one of the inventors of an electrical

instrument called "rhythmicon." Wrote pieces wherein the musicians played
the keys of a piano by striking it with their forearms or wrists and strumming
or plucking the strings.
John Cage - American composer of the 20th century known for his
innovative, avant-garde ideas of creating and appreciating music. He devised
the "prepared piano."
Early Electronic Instruments: The Dynamo phone, the Theremin and the Ondes-
Martenot
Additional Resources
The Medieval and Renaissance Periods
During the Middle Ages, musical texture was monophonic, meaning it has a single
melodic line. Sacred vocal music such as Gregorian chants were set to Latin text and
sung unaccompanied. It was the only type of music allowed in churches, so composers
kept the melodies pure and simple. Later on, church choirs added one or more melodic
lines to the Gregorian chants. This created polyphonic texture, meaning it has two or
more melodic lines.
During the Renaissance, the churchhad less power over musical activity. Instead, the
Kings, Princes and other prominent members of the courts had more influence. The size
of church choirs grew and with it more voice parts were added. This created music that
was richer and fuller. Polyphony was widely used during this period, but soon, music also
became homophonic. Composers wrote pieces that shifted between polyphonic and
homophonic textures. This made the melodies more complex and elaborate. Many factors
contributed to the change of musical texture during these periods. The influence of the
Church, a shift in musical focus, the change in status of composers, the invention of
printing and religious reformation were some of the factors that contributed to these
changes.
Musical Instruments Used During the Middle Ages and Renaissance

During the Middle Ages, most of the music was vocal and unaccompanied.
The church wanted to keep music pure and solemn because it was less distracting. Later on,
musical instruments such as bells and organs were allowed in church, but it was mainly used to
observe important days in the Liturgical calendar. Travelling musicians or minstrels used musical
instruments as they performed on street corners or courts.
The instruments they used include fiddles, harps, and lutes. The lute is a pear-shaped string
instrument with a fretted fingerboard.
During the Renaissance period, most of the musical activity shifted from the church to the courts.
Composers were more open to experimentation. As a result, more composers used musical
instruments in their compositions. Instruments that produced softer and less bright sounds were
preferred for indoor events. Louder and more brilliant-sounding instruments were preferred for
outdoor events. Musical instruments used during this period include the cornett, harpsichord, and
recorder. A musical instrument called shawm was used for dance music and outdoor events. The
shawm is the predecessor of the oboe.
More on the Middle Ages and Renaissance
Medieval Music Timeline - Music during the Middle Ages is characterized by

the beginning of musical notation as well as polyphony. During this time,
there were two general types of music styles; the monophonic and the
polyphonic. In order to fully understand how music evolved duirng the
Medieval period, look at the timeline of events.
Composers of the Middle Ages - During this period, there were several
composers and musicians who largely contributed to how music evolved.
Renaissance Music Timeline - This period brought about many changes in the
way music was created and perceived. To fully grasp the changes that
occurred in music during this period, read this timeline.
Composers of the Renaissance Period - This period signifies the rebirth of

classical learning and an increased patronage of music. Here are some of the
notable composers during the Renaissance period.
Also read about the rise of secular music, music forms of the Renaissance and learn about
another instrument called the dulcian.
Some glossary words that may be associated with the Middle Ages and the Renaissance include
the following:
Mass ordinary - Refers to the 5 Latin text (Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus and Agnus Dei) that
are sung during mass. These texts remain the same for every mass.
Organum - A type of medieval music that has polyphonic texture achieved by adding harmonies
to chants.
Word painting - A technique used by composers wherein they illustrate words through music
(i.e. changing pitches, tempo, rise and fall of melodic lines, etc.).
The Role of Music and Composers
Role of Composers During the Baroque Period

During the early Baroque period, composers were treated like servants by the aristocrats and
were expected to cater to their musical whims, often at a moments notice. Music directors were
paid handsomely but it came with a price a huge responsibility that included not only
composing music but also maintaining the instruments and music library, overseeing
performances and disciplining musicians.
Court musicians earned more than church musicians, so many of them had to be creative in order
to earn a living. Music was a staple in most functions but, at first, it was only meant for the upper
class. Before long, though, even the general public was able to appreciate music forms (ex.
opera) that developed during this period. Venice became the center of musical activity and soon a
public opera house was built there. The St. Marks Basilica in Venice became an important venue
for musical experiments. Music played an important role in Baroque society, it served as musical
expression for brilliant composers, a source of entertainment for aristocrats, a way of life for
musicians and a temporary escape from the routines of daily life for the general public.
Musical texture during the Baroque period was also polyphonic and/or homophonic. Composers
used melodic patterns to evoke certain moods (affections).
The use of word painting continued. Rhythmic and melodic patterns are repeated throughout the
composition. With the addition of instruments and the development of certain musical techniques
(ex. basso continuo), music during the Baroque period became more intriguing. Composers
during this period were more open to experimentation (ex.
contrast of sound loud vs. soft) and improvisation. Major and minor scales and chords were
used during this time. Baroque music has unity of mood throughout the composition. Rhythm is
also more constant. Rhythmic and melodic patterns tend to be repeated, although beats are more
pronounced and there are also pitch changes within a composition. Even the dynamics tends to
stay the same for most of the piece, but sometimes there is also an alternation of dynamics.
Role of Composers During the Classical Period

The Classical period is known as the "age of enlightenment" as the power shifted from the
aristocracy and church to the middle class. During this period, the appreciation of music was no
longer limited to the rich and powerful. Those belonging to the middle class became patrons of
music as well. Composers wrote music to meet the needs of a more diverse audience. As a result,
music forms during this period were simpler and less intense. The people grew disinterested with
themes of ancient myths and instead favored themes they could relate to. As the listening public
grew in number, so did the demands for music lessons, instruments, and printed music. These
demands were no longer limited to the aristocrats; even children of middle-class parents sought
the same privileges for their children.
Vienna became the center of music during this time. Composers were busy creating music for
private concerts and outdoor entertainment that were very much in demand. Composers catered
not only to the needs of the listening public but for those in the middle class who wanted to
become musicians as well. Thus, composers wrote pieces that were easy to play. In Vienna,
pieces like divertimento and serenades were popular for outdoor concerts. The middle class also
organized public concerts during this period because palace concerts were off limits to them.
The themes within a movement of a Classical composition have more contrast of mood and it
can change either gradually or suddenly. The rhythm is more flexible and there are at times
sudden pauses and changes in beats. Music is more melodic and often homophonic.
A change in dynamics is gradual. The piano became a popular instrument during this period and
composers showcased the instruments capabilities. This period also signaled the end of the
basso continuo. Instrumental compositions usually had 4 movements and each movement may
consist of 1 to 4 themes.
More on the Baroque Period

Baroque Music Timeline
Music Forms/Styles of the Baroque Period
Baroque Music Composers
More on the Classical Period

Music Events During the Classical Period
Music of the Classical Period
Most Influential Classical Music Composers
Some glossary words that may be associated to the Baroque and Classical periods include the
following:
Affections Also called moods; in Baroque music, composers use certain melodic and rhythmic
patterns to evoke specific affections.
Terraced dynamics One of the characteristics of Baroque music wherein there is a back and
forth of dynamics between loud and soft.
Motive Part of a musical idea or theme that is developed in a piece of music.
Theme Refers to the basic musical idea of a composition.
Music of the Romantic Period

During the Romantic period (roughly 1815-1910), composers used music to express themselves;
orchestral music became more emotional and subjective than in previous eras. Composers were
inspired by romantic love, the supernatural and even dark themes such as death. Some composers
drew inspiration from the history and folk songs of their native country; others drew influences
from foreign lands.
How the Music Changed

Tone color became richer; harmony became more intricate.
Dynamics, pitch, and tempo had wider ranges, and the use of rubato became popular. The
orchestra was also expanded. As with the Classical period, the piano was still the main
instrument during the early Romantic period. However, the piano underwent many changes and
composers brought the piano to new heights of creative expression.
Techniques Used During the Romantic Period
The composers of the Romantic period used the following techniques to bring a deeper level of
emotion to their works.
Chromatic harmony A characteristic of Romantic music wherein the

chords used in a music piece is derived from the chromatic scale.
Rubato A characteristic of Romantic music that helps add intensity to a

music piece by means of moving forward or holding back tempo.
Thematic transformation A characteristic of Romantic music

wherein musical elements of a theme are altered when the theme is restated
in a later movement.
Music Forms of the Romantic Period

Some forms of the Classical period were continued during the Romantic period. However,
Romantic composers adjusted or altered some of these forms to make them more subjective. As a
result, the music of the Romantic period is easily identifiable when compared to music forms
from other periods.
Romance, nocturne, etude, and polonaise are examples of 19th-century music styles.
Romance refers to a short, lyrical piece for piano. It can also be played by
another solo instrument, with piano accompaniment.
Nocturne, which means night piece in French, is a slow, lyrical and

intimate composition for piano solo.
Etude, which means study in French, is a composition meant to help a

student learn difficult playing techniques and/or help performers master
technical difficulties.
Polonaise was originally a Polish court dance. It is a composition in triple

meter for piano solo.
Composers During the Romantic Period

There was a huge shift in the status of composers during the Romantic period. Due to the
ongoing wars, aristocrats could no longer financially support composers-in-residence and
orchestras. It became hard for rich people to maintain private opera houses too. As a result,
composers suffered huge monetary losses and had to find other means of earning. They
composed works meant for the middle class and participated more in public concerts.
During this time, more conservatories were added and some composers opted to become teachers
there. Other composers supported themselves financially by becoming music critics or authors.
Unlike Classical composers who often came from musically-inclined families, some Romantic
composers came from non-musical families. Composers were more like free artists; they
believed in allowing their imagination and passion to soar spontaneously and interpret it through
their works. This was different from the Classical belief of logical order and clarity. The public
became quite interested in virtuosity; many of them bought pianos and engaged in private music-
making.
Nationalism During the Romantic Period

The nationalistic spirit was awakened during the French Revolution and Napoleonic wars. This
became a vehicle for composers to express their sentiments about the political and economic
climate during the Romantic period. Composers drew inspiration from the folk songs and dances
of their country.
This nationalist theme can be felt in the music of some Romantic composers whose works were
influenced by the history, people, and places of their native country. This is particularly evident
in operas and program music of that period.
Music of the 20th Century
The 20th century is described as the age of musical diversity because composers had more
creative freedom. Composers were more willing to experiment with new music forms or reinvent
music forms of the past. They also took advantage of the resources and technology that were
available to them.
New Sounds of the 20th Century

By closely listening to the music of the 20th century, we can hear these innovative changes.
There is, for example, the prominence of percussion instruments, and at times the use of
noisemakers. For example, Edgar Vareses "Ionisation" was written for percussion, piano, and
two sirens.
New ways of combining chords and building chord structures were also used. For example,
Arnold Schoenbergs Piano Suite, Opus 25 used a 12-tone series. Even the meter, rhythm, and
melody became unpredictable. For example, in Elliott Carters Fantasy, he used metric
modulation (or tempo modulation), a method of seamlessly changing tempos. Music of the 20th
century was quite different than the music of previous periods.
Musical Concepts that Defined the Era

These were some of the most important musical techniques used by 20th-century composers.
Emancipation of dissonance Refers to how freely 20th-century composers treated dissonant
chords. What was considered dissonant by past composers was treated differently by 20th-
century composers.
Fourth chord A technique used by 20th-century composers in which tones of a chord are a
fourth apart.
Polychord A compositional technique used in the 20th century wherein two chords are
combined and sounded simultaneously.
Tone cluster Another technique used during the 20th century wherein tones of a chord are
either a half step or whole step apart.
Comparing 20th Century Music to Past Eras

Although 20th-century composers used and/or were influenced by composers and music forms of
the past, they created their own unique sound. This unique sound has many different layers to it,
coming from the combination of instruments, noisemakers, and shifts in dynamics, meter, pitch,
etc. This differs from the music of the past.
During the Middle Ages, musical texture was monophonic. Sacred vocal music such as
Gregorian chants were set to Latin text and sung unaccompanied. Later on, church choirs added
one or more melodic lines to the Gregorian chants. This created polyphonic texture. During the
Renaissance, the size of church choirs grew, and with it, more voice parts were added.
Polyphony was widely used during this period, but soon, music also became homophonic.
Musical texture during the Baroque period was also polyphonic and/or homophonic. With the
addition of instruments and the development of certain musical techniques (ex. basso continuo),
music during the Baroque period became more intriguing. Musical texture of Classical music is
mostly homophonic but flexible. During the Romantic period, some forms used during the
Classical period were continued but was made more subjective.
All of the various changes that happened to music from the Middle Ages to the Romantic period
contributed to the music of the 20th century.
20th Century Musical Instruments

There were many innovations that happened during the 20th century that contributed to how
music was composed and performed. The United States and non-Western cultures became
influential. Composers also found inspiration from other music genres (i.e. pop) as well as other
continents (i.e. Asia). There was also a revival of interest in the music and composers of the past.
Existing technologies were improved upon and new inventions were made, such as audio tapes
and computers. Certain compositional techniques and rules were either altered or rejected.
Composers had more creative freedom. Musical themes that werent widely used in past periods
were given a voice.
During this period, the percussion section grew and instruments that werent used before were
utilized by composers. Noisemakers were added, making the tone color of 20th-century music
richer and more interesting. Harmonies became more dissonant and new chord structures were
used. Composers were less interested in tonality; others completely discarded it. Rhythms were
expanded and melodies had wider leaps, making music unpredictable.
Innovations and Changes During the 20th Century

There were many innovations during the 20th century that contributed to how music was created,
shared and appreciated. Technological advancements in radio, TV, and recording enabled the
public to listen to music in the comforts of their own home. At first, listeners favored the music
of the past, such as Classical music. Later on, as more composers used new techniques in
composing and technology allowed these works to reach more people, the public grew interested
in new music. Composers still wore many hats; they were conductors, performers, teachers, etc.
Diversity in 20th Century Music

The 20th century also saw the rise of composers from various parts of the globe, such as Latin
America. This period also saw the rise of many women composers. Of course, there were still
existing social and political problems during this period. For example, African-American
musicians werent allowed to perform with or conduct prominent orchestras at first. Also, many
composers were creatively stifled during the rise of Hitler. Some of them stayed but were forced
to write music conforming to the regime. Others chose to migrate to the United States, making it
a center of musical activity. Many schools and universities were founded during this time that
catered to those who wanted to pursue music.
Music from 1945 Onwards
Jazz:
Born in America, jazz can be seen as a reflection of the cultural diversity and individualism of
this country. At its core are openness to all influences, and personal expression through
improvisation. Throughout its history, jazz has straddled the worlds of popular music and art
music, and it has expanded to a point where its styles are so varied that one may sound
completely unrelated to another.
First performed in bars, jazz can now be heard in clubs, concert halls, universities, and large
festivals all over the world.
The Birth of Jazz:

New Orleans, Louisiana around the turn of the 20th century was a melting pot of cultures. A
major port city, people from all over the world came together there, and as a result, musicians
were exposed to a variety of music. European classical music, American blues, and South
American songs and rhythms came together to form what became known as jazz. The origin of
the word jazz is widely disputed, although it is thought to have originally been a sexual term.
Louis Armstrong:
One thing that makes jazz music so unique is that its focus on improvisation. Louis Armstrong, a
trumpet player from New Orleans, is considered the father of modern jazz improvisation. His
trumpet solos were melodic and playful, and filled with energy that could only result from being
composed on the spot.
A leader of several groups in the 1920s and 30s, Armstrong inspired countless others to make the
music their own by developing a personal style of improvisation.
Expansion:
Thanks to early records, the music of Armstrong and others in New Orleans could reach a broad
radio audience. The musics popularity began to increase as did its sophistication, and major
cultural centers around the country began to feature jazz bands.
Chicago, Kansas City, and New York had the most thriving music scenes in the 1940s, where
dance halls were filled with fans that came to see large jazz ensembles. This period is known as
the Swing Era, referring to the lilting swing rhythms employed by the Big Bands.
Bebop:
Big Bands gave musicians the opportunity to experiment with different approaches to
improvisation. While members of a Big Band, saxophonist Charlie Parker and trumpeter Dizzy
Gillespie began to develop a highly virtuosic and harmonically advanced style known as
"Bebop," an onomatopoeic reference to the rhythmic punches heard in the music. Parker and
Gillespie performed their music in small ensembles all over the country, and musicians flocked
to hear the new direction jazz was taking. The intellectual approach and technical facility of
these pioneers of Bebop has set the standard for todays jazz musicians.
Jazz Today:
Jazz is a highly developed art form that continues to evolve and expand in numerous directions.
The music of each decade sounds fresh and distinct from the music that preceded it. Since the
days of bebop, the jazz scene has included avant-garde music, Latin jazz, jazz/rock fusion, and
countless other styles.
Jazz today is so diverse and broad that there is something unique and interesting about every
artists style.( https://www.thoughtco.com/music-history-101-2455857)
Music 2000 Present In recent years, mainstream music has been overtaken by hip-hop and
rap music. Though it follows the natural trend of music over the decades, music in the last few
years has been repeatedly criticized for its sexual lyrics and violent themes. While many people
feel that hip-hop music has an unhealthy focus on sexually-based themes, others feel that rap
promotes violence against police officers and innocent citizens. Luckily, many artists are still
making music that promotes neither of these ideas but rather more neutral and family-friendly
themes. The last few years in the music industry has shown to have a great contrast in styles,
themes and personal taste.
The popularity of hip-hop was ushered by musicians like Usher, Justin Timberlake, and similar
artists. In the last couple years, this popularity was intensified by names like Kanye West, Jay-Z,
Outkast, and Eminem. Many of these styles are a combination of hip-hop and rap which makes
for an enjoyable rhythm with rap-style lyrics. Kanye West was a breakthrough artist who helped
to revolutionize this style and has become a household name across the nation.
Although hip-hop is one of the most popular styles in the last decade, other genres have used the
style to achieve a great deal of popularity, too. One of these genres is often referred to as rock
metal rap. This combines catchy rhythms that are characteristic of rock plus the hardcore feeling
of metal and the lyrics and style that is characteristic of rap. Kid Rock was one of the pioneers of
this genre with songs like Bawitdaba and Cowboy. Other groups, such as Korn, Limp
Bizkit, and Linkin Park have also contributed to this unique musical combination.
The last few years has also seen a great deal of popularity in the mainstream pop music genre
due to the television show American Idol. Many new musical superstars have emerged as a result
of this program and, surprisingly enough, its not only the top winners who enjoy popularity
following the competition. Artists like Clay Aiken, Chris Daughtry, and Josh Gracin only made it
to the final 10 contestants and they have record contracts, as well as many other finalists.
Contestants that won first place include Carrie Underwood, Ruben Studdard, and Kelly
Clarkson. They have topped the charts in their respective genre while still becoming a household
name.
Since the year 2000, there has also been an explosion in a musical genre commonly referred to as
emo. This genre got its name because the music characteristic of this genre is emotional
because of the heartfelt lyrics and melancholy melodies. Bands and artists that have contributed
to this genres popularity include Dashboard Confessional and Death Cab for Cutie. Newer
bands are also considered emo, but they use louder music and faster melodies, but the lyrics are
still typically sad and depressing. The last few years has also seen a popularity in songs that
criticize the government and the present administration. Bands like Green Day (American
Idiot) and the Dixie Chicks have generated a great deal of controversy by writing scathing
lyrics and concert speeches about the American government. Contrastingly, artists like Alan
Jackson and Toby Keith (Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue The Angry American)
combat these acts by writing pro-American songs that support the government and present
administration.
Finally, the present music enjoys many musicians and artists that have stood the test of time.
Many of them have been around for decades, including Madonna and others. Bands like The Red
Hot Chili Peppers, Weezer, and Hootie and the Blowfish emerged onto the popular music scene
in the late 1980s to early 1990s and are still enjoying a sense of popularity. Rob Thomas is also a
popular act, but achieved popularity with the band Matchbox 20 in the mid-1990s. Other
bubblegum pop artists, such as Christina Aguilera and Britney Spears are still continuing to
make the headlines in todays society and building on the success that they have built up in past
years.
And so the trend continues. Music has always followed a pattern in a culture and one genre of
music is soon replaced by another in terms of popularity and record sales. Popular musicians can
often build a fan base that will continue to buy their albums as long as they make them while
other bands tend to be one-hit wonders that society never hears from again. This is the pattern
that has been followed by the music industry for decades and will probably continue to happen
for many decades to come. As long as peoples taste and preferences continue to change, as
will the music of the time. http://www.thepeoplehistory.com/nowmusic.html

The History of Music

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

The History of Music

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

THE HISTORY OF MUSIC

The Middle Ages 450-1450

Links to Composers of the Middle Ages

Comtessa Beatiz de Dia (attested 1212)

Herrad of Landsberg (1167-1195)

Hildegard von Bingen (1098-1179)

The Renaissance 1450-1600

Links to Composers of the Renaissance

Antoine Brumel (1460-1520)

Jean de Castro (1540-1611)

John Dowland (1563-1626)

Thomas Morley (1557-1602)

Claudin de Sermisy (1490-1562)

The Baroque Age 1600-1750

Links to Composers of the Baroque Age

Wilhelm Friedman Bach (1710-1784)

Jean-Baptiste Lully (1632-1687)

Johann Pachelbel (1653-1706)

Antonin Vivaldi (1678-1741)

The Classical Period 1750-1820

During the eighteenth century, the economy began

Ludwig von Beethoven

Links to Composers of the Classical Period

Ludwig von Beethoven (1770-1827)

Franz Joseph Haydn (1732-1809)

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)

Franz Peter Schubert (1797-1828)

Carl Philip Stamitz (1745-1801)

The Romantic Period 1820-1900

In the earlier periods of music, composers had specific jobs, such as

Links to Composer of the Romantic Period

Arrigo Boito (1842-1918)

Johannes Brahms (1833-1897)

Frederic Chopin (1810-1849)

Claude Debussy (1862-1918)

Antonin Dvorak (1841-1904)

Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847)

Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893)

The Twentieth Century 1900-1945

Music has become an even greater part of society now, because of

Links to Composers of the Twentieth Century

Bela Bartok (1881-1945)

Carlos Chavez (1899-1978)

Aaron Copland (1900-1990)

George Gershwin (1898-1937)

Igor Stravinsky (1882-1971)

Essentials of Music. Sony Music Entertainment. 22 April 2002.

Kamien, Roger. Music: An Appreciation. McGraw-Hill: New York, 2002.

Take a moment to ponder what the meaning of music is for you.

Origin and History of Music

11th - 12th century

12th - 14th century

{13th) - The spread of Geisslerlieder, these are songs of flagellants.

The Rise of Secular Music

Sacred music was overcome by secular music by the 14th century.

The tonic is the principal pitch of a composition.

(by Espie Estrella

Renaissance Music Timeline

Updated December 03, 2016

Renaissance or "rebirth," a period of significant changes in history, including music.

There were three periods of the Italian Madrigal

1570 -1605 - John Farmer, English madrigal composer.

Music Forms and Styles of the Renaissance

Religion and Music