This page is my student project for the Understanding Music class at Kent State University. I've included a short description of each musical time period from Renaissance to Romantic, as well as links to pages containing info and multimedia from these time periods and selected composers covered in class.
If anyone finds any mistakes, would like to add something to the page (info or a link), or has any suggestions, I'll gladly consider them. Just email me at: jbirk@kent.edu
The major topics covered by this page are:
In the Renaissance period, a classical, refined style was used by composers. They tended to use moderation, calm melodies, fluid rythms, blending voices and instruments, and minimal contrast. Imitative polyphony was utilized, as well as some homophony. A cappella, singing unaccompanied by instruments, was also used. Music printing was invented during this period.
Selected composers include:
Genres include:
Some related pages:
MUSIC OF THE MIDDLE AGES AND RENAISSANCE: a chapter on the Renaissance period from a textbook
Introduction to Renaissance Music
The word Baroque used to have a negative connotation and meant a large gawdy pearl. The music from the Baroque period is very exuberant, emotional, grand, and innovative, which could be thought of by some as overly ornamented. Opera was invented at the beginning of the Baroque period by a group called the Camerata. Tonality was developed, music was written for specific instruments, and the early orchestra was developed. Techniques known as the figured bass, walking bass, and ground bass were developed.
Selected composers include:
Genres include:
Some related pages:
THE BAROQUE ERA (1600 -- 1750): a chapter on the Baroque period from a textbook
Bach, Johann Sebastian: a page that includes links to other Baroque and Bach related pages
After the Baroque period, there was first a bridge period called the Rococo from ~1720-1770, which the Classical period follows. The Classical period had expanded and flexible dynamics. There was more color, expanded orchestra (full standard woodwinds), and the texture was largely homophonic. Melodies became more important. Sonata form was developed.
Selected composers include:
Genres include:
A related page:
THE CLASSICAL PERIOD (1740 -- 1825): a chapter on the Classical period from a textbook
In the Romantic period, music became more complex, with more use of modulation, altered chords, and chromaticism. Compositions were longer, the orchestra was further expanded, program music and nationalism were emphasized, and composers showed a strong interest in love, nature, politics, and the mysterious. Music was also more expressive and virtuosic.
Selected composers include:
Genres include:
A related page:
THE ROMANTIC PERIOD (1825 - 1900): a chapter on the Romantic period from a textbook
There are some pages that deal with Classical music as a whole, and have a wealth of info. I got many of the links to the composers from such pages. Here is a list of some of the good ones that I found:
I also found some other misc stuff that I thought was cool: