CHAPTER 1: The Elements of Music
7
MUSICAL STYLE
Knowing the unique style traits of particular historical eras can greatly enhance your musical
experiences by offering clues about what the composer was trying to express, and what you
should listen for when hearing a piece.
The Six Historical Style-Periods of Western Art Music:
Middle Ages
(approximately 450-1450):
An era dominated by Catholic sacred music, which began as simple
chant
but grew in
complexity in the 13
th
to 15
th
centuries by experiments in harmony and rhythm. Leading
composers of the later Middle Ages include Pérotin and Machaut.
Renaissance
(approximately 1450-1600):
A more personal style emerged in this era with a greater focus on Humanism, and a rebirth of
learning and exploration. During this "golden age of vocal music," the leading composers
include Josquin Desprez, Palestrina, and Weelkes.
Baroque
(approximately 1600-1750):
This era—the last great age of aristocratic rule— is represented by extremely ornate and
elaborate approaches to the arts. This era saw the rise of instrumental music, the invention of
the modern violin family and the creation of the first orchestras. Great composers of the late
Baroque include Vivaldi, Handel and JS Bach.
Classic
(approximately 1750-1820):
The music of this politically turbulent era focused on structural unity, clarity and balance. The
new expressive and dramatic approaches to composition and performance that were
developed in this era became the standards that all "Classical" music are judged by. Great
composers of the Classic era include Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven.
Romantic
(approximately 1820-1900):
This era witnessed an explosion of flamboyance, nationalism, the rise of "superstar"
performers, and concerts aimed at middle-class "paying" audiences. Orchestral, theatrical and
soloistic music grew to spectacular heights of personal expression. Among the leading
Romantic composers are Berlioz, Chopin, Wagner
Modern
(approximately 1900-present):
Since approximately 1900, art-music has been impacted by daring experimentation and
advances in musical technology, as well as popular/non-Western influences. Leading
composers of the early 20th century were Debussy, Schoenberg and Stravinsky, while many of
the most prominent composers since 1950 have come from the US.
MORE
EXPRESSIVE
Ancient
Greek/Roman
(300 BC - c450 AD)
MIDDLE AGES
(450 - 1450)
RENAISSANCE
(1450 - 1600)
BAROQUE
(1600-1750)
ROMANTIC
(1820-1900)
MODERN
(1900 - present)
CLASSIC
(1750-1820)
Golden Age of
Vocal Music
Josquin Desprez,
Palestrina,
Weelkes
Pérotin,
Machaut
Vivaldi,
J.S. Bach,
Handel
Haydn,
Mozart,
Beethoven
Berlioz,
Chopin,
Wagner
Stravinsky,
Schoenberg,
Debussy
Non-standard
orchestra: featuring
newly-developed
violin family
Orchestra:
More balanced
with strings &
woodwinds
Orchestra:
Large, with
Brass &
Woodwind colors
predominating
Orchestra:
Full Percussion
added; unusual
tone colors and
techniques
Boethius
EXPRESSIVE CYCLE OF
WESTERN ART-MUSIC
STYLES
MORE
RESTRAINED
early
early
late
late
