History of Classical Music
Classical music began in the medieval period (1150-1400). This period can be characterized by heavy religious influence. Music like the Gregorian chants is an excellent example of the prevailing religious influence in the genre. Named after St. Gregory I. This liturgical music was mainly present through the 8th and 9th centuries. In the 11th century, troubadours appeared in France and Northern Italy (11th-13th century). Characterized as poets and performers of songs during the middle ages that utilized rhyming and meter that was rather romantic in nature. Paired with their usual themes of courtly love and chivalry; these troubadours would travel around to major European cities. Usually the employment of their service exclusively for the nobility. Troubadours ended in the 13th century and gave rise to the Renaissance period. The renaissance (1400-1600); the period is often classified by its wonderful innovation in regards to art and music is no different. The eruption of harmony and polyphony (two or more lines of independent melody) as well as composers. Though admittedly, the composers of the period were rather devoted to choral writing. Unfortunately, few instrumental compositions. It is during the second half of the 16th century that the musical genre transforms into a more recognizable composition. Next, we move onto the Baroque period (1600-1750). This period was crucial for the next 300 years of music. The idea of the modern orchestra, opera, the concerto, sonata, and modern cantata. Most monumentally though, the invention of the harpsichord (early 16th century); that gave rise to the modern piano. The final characteristic of the period was the transition from purely religious themes to societal and humanistic themes. Following those monumental occurrences was the Classical Period (1750-1830). This time is characterized by an abundance of composers that are still reputable today. Artists that include: Joesph Hadyn, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Niccolo Paganini, Beethoven, Franz Schubert, Fredric Chopin, and Christoph Willibald Gluck. The next period is the Romantic Era (1825-1900), also known as the "Golden Age" of virtuosos. The elements that are present during this time were complex emotional and expressive pieces. The final period is the Modern Period (1910-present).