MUSICAL GENRESMusic Through the Ages

Ancient music is music that developed in literate cultures, replacing prehistoric music. Ancient music refers to the various musical systems that were developed across various geographical regions such as Mesopotamia, India, Persia, Egypt, China, Greece and Rome.Example: Epitaph of Seikilos

ANCIENT MUSIC

MEDIEVAL MUSICMusic developed during the medieval period (5th to 15th century).There was no uniform method of music notation, so most of the music from the time period has been lost. However, a few styles have remained and been passed down through the generations. The most common known styles remaining from the time period are: “Plainchant or Plainsong” and “Gregorian” chant, a style of music sung/performed in unison (at the same time/on the same pitch). Example: Gregorian Chant

All music written between the years of 1400-1600. The printing press was invented during this time, and as a result a common uniform method for writing music was adopted. Secular music began to be as popular as Sacred music. Harmony and more complex music was increasingly popular. Famous composer: G. Palestrina.Example: O Magnum Mysterium

RENAISSANCE MUSIC

BAROQUE MUSIC

Baroque music is a style of Western art music composed from approximately 1600 to 1750. The word "baroque" comes from the Portuguese word ”barroco,” meaning misshapen

pearl; reflective of the ornate and heavily ornamented music of this period. Famous composer: J.S. BachExample: Brandenburg Concertos

(1750-1820)Classical music has a lighter, clearer texture and is less complex. It focuses on melody rather than accompaniment, and sought to have variety and contrast within a piece. The Sonata Form and Opera became very popular. Famous composer: W.A. MozartExample: 12 Variations Ah Vous

Dirais-je Maman

CLASSICAL MUSIC

ROMANTIC MUSIC

(1800-1900) Music of this period sought to reflect emotion and though rather than focus on a melody or structure. Music became very fluid in sound, musical extremes were often heard, and new and more complex chords were invented. Famous composer: F. ChopinExample: Nocturne Op. 9 No. 2

(1900-2000) Music of this era became highly experimental and intellectual. It was no longer about listener enjoyment, but what boundaries could be pushed and experimental styles attempted. Famous composer: A. SchoenbergExample: String Quartet No. 1 in

d minor, Op. 7

20T H CENTURY MUSIC