The 5 Main Periods Of Classical Music

Want to learn more about classical music but don’t have time to read lengthy articles or encyclopedias?  If the answer is yes, you’re in luck! Read the following about the 5 distinct historical periods of classical music.

Gothic

This period took place between around 1100 and 1450 or the 9^th century to the 14^th century AD. The music was made up of primarily liturgical notes, the most famous example being Gregorian Chants that were named after the Pope, Gregory 1. The precursor to modern musical notation was also developed during this time.

Renaissance

Generally believed to exist in the 100 years between the 1400’s and 1500s, the renaissance period of classical music considered of madrigals and motets. Notable work was composed by artists like Giovanni Palestrina and Andrea Gabrielli.

Baroque

The period of classical music took place in the 1500s, 1600s and the 1700s. This was where the earliest operas were formulated. The music (and furniture) was extremely ornate in this part of history. The most notable composers of this period are Bach and Handel.

Classical

Between the 1700s and 1800s, this is the main period of classical music as we know it today. This is where the famous symphonies and concertos of composers like Beethoven, Mozart and Haydn were born.

Romantic

Extending from the 1800s to the early stages of the 1900s, this period was characterised by operas, ballets and symphonies. Notable composers are Tchaikovsky, Wagner and Brahms.