Up to 1900, the major time time divisions are
1. Early Music Period—-includes Medieval (500-1400 ) and Renaissance ( 1400-1600)
2.Common Practice Period—–includes the Baroque (1600-1750),Classical (1750-1830 ), Romantic eras (1804-1910)
3 .The 20th Century Calender Period (1901-2000 )—includes the modern era (1890-1930 )
4. High Modern Period (mid 20th century )
5. Contemporary /Postmodern Period (1975-now )
6. The 21st Century Period– a continuation of the contemporary era
There are periods where these periods overlap so these dates are generalisations.
During the Renaissance, there was a great increase in the composition of secular and sacred music. In Europe, many large cathedrals were constructed and music was composed for them. It was also at this time that secular music became popular, sometimes accompanied by other instruments. During the Baroque period, the modern orchestra was “formed “and the opera was invented. Famous composers during this period include Johann Sebastian Bach, Domenico Scarlatti and Antonio Vivaldi. The classical art of the Ancient Greeks and Romans influenced the composers during the classical period. During this time, the symphony was invented. These composers included Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Ludwig van Beethoven. During the Romantic period, there were many changes in society and the composers felt that human emotion and feelings were important. Well known composers during this time include Robert Schumann, Felix Mendelssohn and Franz Schubert. However, during the 20th century period, the composers discovered new ways of writing music. Classical music by American composers was influenced by jazz during this period.
Classical music repertoire is written in music notation forming a score, this method preserves all the works of the composers of centuries ago.Therefore today’s classical musicians are able to play the music of the composers centuries ago. The classical compositions were very detailed and in some cases took several years to complete.