-
3100 BCE
Lute
Instrument family - Strings Year Invented
Plucked lute back to c. 3100 BC. The lute's existence in art was more plain between 2330–2000 BC Country of Origin
ancient Mesopotamia prior to 3100 BC or were brought to the area by ancient Semitic tribes https://www.britannica.com/art/lute -
1500 BCE
Trumpet
Brass Instrument Year Invented
around 1500 BC Country of Origin
Egypt https://www.britannica.com/art/trumpet -
900 BCE
Flute
Woodwind Instrument Year Invented
approximately 900 B.C. Country of Origin
oldest flutes have been found in the Swabian Alps region of Germany, and are said to have been from about 43,000 to 35,000 years ago. Or China https://banddirector.com/woodwinds/flutes-piccolos/flute-history/#:~:text=A%20flute%20dating%20back%20to,43%2C000%20to%2035%2C000%20years%20ago. -
900
Xylophone
Percussion instrument Year Invented
The earliest evidence of a true xylophone is from the 9th century in southeast Asia Country of Origin
southeast Asia https://www.britannica.com/art/xylophone -
1000
Hurdy Gurdy
Family of Instrument - Strings Year Invented
10th century Country of Origin
either Europe or the Middle East https://www.britannica.com/art/hurdy-gurdy -
1200
Shawm
Woodwind Instrument Year Invented
12th century Country of Origin
Eurrope https://www.britannica.com/art/shawm -
1450
Trombone
Brass Instrument Year Invented
invented in Belgium around 1450 Country of Origin
Belgium https://study.com/academy/lesson/trombone-history-parts-facts.html#:~:text=Who%20Invented%20the%20Trombone%3F,trumpet%20while%20playing%20lower%20notes. -
Period: 1450 to Aug 27, 1521
Josquin Desprez
"Ave Maria ... virgo serena" is a motet composed by Josquin des Prez. Josquin's most famous motet
-one of the most famous pieces of the 15th century Born in France
Josquin Desprez Who is he Why is he Important?
He was among the first to use innovations, such as multiple voices and counterpoint, and his music was remarkably expressive. With this, he changed the direction of Western vocal music. -
Period: 1450 to
Motets a music style of the Renaissance period
-A Renaissance motet was a polyphonic vocal composition that used sacred text sung in Latin. Typically one voice would start the melody and other voices would enter at different points, imitating the melody at different intervals. -polyphonic musical setting, sometimes in imitative counterpoint, for chorus, of a Latin text, usually sacred Prominent Composers - Josquin des Prez and Giovanni da Palestrina Link -
Period: 1450 to
Masses a style of the Renaissance period
The Renaissance mass is a polyphonic setting of five texts that were said or sung at every Catholic mass. The liturgy of the mass evolved over the course of the middle ages. Prominent Composers
Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina
Josquin des Prez
William Byrd
Claudio Monteverdi Fun Fact
All Sacred music was performed in the church.
-Masses often included movements like Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus, and Agnus Dei Link -
Period: 1450 to
Madrigals a music style of the Renaissance period
A madrigal is a secular vocal genre of music that was very popular during the Renaissance Era. The lyrics were based on poetry, and they were usually performed a cappella and in polyphonic texture. Key Charactheristics
-Secular lyrics
-Increased polyphony
-Word-painting
-Both a cappella and with instrumental accompaniment
-Through-composed Prominent Composers
Claudio Monteverdi
Jacques Arcadelt Link -
1485
Ave Maria ... virgo serena
Composed by Josquin des Prez Work was composed during Josquin des Prez's service at the North Italian court at Milan. Initially thought to have been copied into the manuscript Munich 3154 by 1476. Subsequent work by Joshua Rifkin established the date of publication to about 1485. Work Tittle - Hail Mary… gentle virgin (Translation) Style
-Renaissance period
-polyphonic vocal genre used for sacred music Link to Song -
1500
Guituar
Group of Instrument - Strings Year Invented
fourteenth and fifteenth centuries Country of Origin
Spain https://www.mi.edu/education/guitar-history-how-the-guitar-has-evolved/ -
1500
Sackbut
Brass Instrument Year Invented
15th century Country of Origin
Burgundy https://www.britannica.com/art/sackbut#:~:text=sackbut%2C%20(from%20Old%20French%20saqueboute,and%20its%20bell%20is%20narrower. -
1500
Crumhorn
Woodwind instrument Year Invented
Fifteenth century Country of Origin
Germany https://www.britannica.com/art/crumhorn -
Period: 1525 to
Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina
Kyrie from Pope Marcellus Mass - Notable work Palestrina’s work became the model for mass composers Country of Origin
Palestrina, Italy Why is he important?
Primarily known for his masses and motets, which number over 105 and 250 respectively, Palestrina had a long-lasting influence on the development of church and secular music in Europe, especially on the development of counterpoint. Palestrina a Renaissance Composer -
1562
Kyrie from Pope Marcellus Mass
Composed by Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina mass composed in honor of Pope Marcellus II. Most likely date of composition is 1562, when it was copied into a manuscript at the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome. Work Title - Kyrie from Pope Marcellus Mass Style
-Renaissance
-graceful melodic smoothness and careful treatment of dissonance, with the primary consideration being melody, and harmony coming as a secondary product Link to Song -
Period: Jan 2, 1563 to
John Dowland
Notable Works
-Flow My Tears (about 1600) by John Dowland Major Influences
He is known today for his melancholy songs such as Come, heavy sleep, Come again, Flow my tears, I saw my Lady weepe and In darkness let me dwell, but his instrumental music has influenced many current day musicians and classical guitarists during this century. Fun Fact
Dowland has 88 lute songs Country of Origin
London, United Kingdom A Renaissance Composer -
Period: 1567 to
Claudio Monteverdi a Baroque Composer
Notable Works
Tu se’ morta from Orfeo Major Influences
-He was the first opera composer whose works, which include Orfeo and L'incoronazione di Poppea, are regularly performed today.
-He developed two styles of composition—the heritage of Renaissance polyphony and the new basso continuo technique of the Baroque. Fun Fact
Monteverdi wrote his last opera when he was 75 Country of Origin
Cremona, Italy Claudio Monteverdi who is he -
Period: Oct 25, 1576 to
Thomas Weelkes
Notable Works
As Vesta was Descending (1601) by Thomas Weelkes Major Influences
Weelkes is noted for his word painting, lively rhythms, and highly developed sense of form and structure. He also wrote music for virginal, viol, and organ. His sacred compositions, most of which were written before his appointment at Chichester in 1601, are largely unpublished Country of Origin
Sussex, United Kingdom A Renaissance Composer -
Flow My Tears
Composed by John Dowland Composed in Originally composed as an instrumental under the name "Lachrimae pavane" in 1596, it is Dowland's most famous ayre Style
-Harmonic
-Renaissance period
-lute song
-characteristically gloomy Link to Song -
Violin
Group of Instrument - Strings Year Invented
16th century Country of Origin
Italy https://www.yamaha.com/en/musical_instrument_guide/violin/structure/ -
Triangle
Percussion family Year Invneted
16th century Country of Origin
The triangle was first introduced into the world in the 16th century, but it is actually a descendent of the ancient Egyptian percussion instrument called the sistrum, which was used for worship and other religious purposes https://www.britannica.com/art/triangle-musical-instrument -
CELLO
Strings Instruemnt Year invented
16th century Country of Origin
Northern Italy https://stagemusiccenter.com/music-school-blog-winchester-acton-ma/2019/9/6/cello-history-fun-facts-and-benefits-of-learning#:~:text=The%20cello%20came%20to%20the,exposure%20for%20making%20the%20cello. -
Period: to
Opera a style of the Baroque Period
primarily sung, accompanied by instruments, and presented on stage. Typically alternate between recitative, speech-like song that advances the plot, and arias, songs in which characters express feelings at particular points in the action. Prominent Composers
Claudio Monteverdi
Antonio Vivaldi
Pier Francesco Cavalli Fun Fact
first operas are from Greek myth Link -
Period: to
Oratorio a style of the Baroque Period
-extended musical drama with a text based on religious subject matter, intended for performance without scenery, costume or action. Oratorio originally meant prayer hall.
-large-scale musical composition on a sacred or semisacred subject, for solo voices, chorus, and orchestra Prominent composers
Giocomo Carissimi
Antonio Vivaldi
Alessandro Scarlatti Fun Fact
By the middle of 17th century, oratorios were performed in palaces and public theaters Link -
Period: to
Cantata a style of the Baroque Period
an extended piece consisting of a succession of recitatives and set pieces such as arias, duets and choruses Major composers in the Italian cantata genre include Luigi Rossi, Antonio Cesti, Alessandro Stradella, and in the first half of the 18th century Alessandro Scarlatti, Handel, Benedetto Marcello and Johann Adolf Hasse. Characteristics
-Blend of Voice and Instruments
-especially techniques of dramatic expression like recitative and aria. Link -
Period: to
Henry Purcell a Composer during the Baroque Period
Notable Works
Dido’s Lament from Dido and Aeneas Major Influences
Purcell, the most important English composer of his time, composed music covering a wide field: the church, the stage, the court, and private entertainment Fun Fact
-Purcell's interest in music began when he was a young child
-His earliest work was an ode for King Charles' birthday in 1670. Country of Origin
Westminster, London, United Kingdom Henry Purcell who is he -
Period: to
Antonio Vivaldi Late Baroque Italian composer
Notable Works
La Primavera (Spring), Op. 8, No. 1, from The Four Seasons Major Influences
-He pioneered many developments in orchestration, violin technique and programmatic music.
-dynamic rhythms, fluid melodies, bright instrumental effects, and extensions of instrumental technique were highly influential on his contemporaries and successors Fun Fact
Did not marry Country of Origin
Venice, Italy Antonio Vivaldi a Baroque Composer -
Period: to
Johann Sebastian Bach - German, late Baroque composer
Notable Works
Prelude and Fugue in C Minor, from The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book I by Bach Major Influences
-main achievement lies in his synthesis and advanced development of the primary contrapuntal idiom of the late Baroque, and in the basic tunefulness of his thematic material. Fun Fact
-Wrote in every form except opera
-He spent 30 days in jail for quitting his job. Country of Origin
Eisenach, Germany Johann Sebastian Bach who is he -
Dido’s Lament from Dido and Aeneas
Composed by Henry Purcell composed by the Westminster Abbey organist sometime between 1683 and 1688. Work Title - When I am laid in earth Style
-Baroque Music
-opera
-Sad "Dido's Lament' from Purcell's opera 'Dido and Aeneas' is arguably the saddest piece of music ever written. The 'Remember Me' motif provides a yearning lyrical line which superbly reflects the sense of woe" Link to Song -
Clarinet
Single-reed musical instrument in the woodwind family Year Invented
sometime after 1698 Country of Origin
Germany https://syos.co/en/blogs/news/the-history-of-the-clarinet#:~:text=The%20clarinet%20was%20invented%20in,to%20play%20on%20different%20registers. -
Piano
Percussion Instrumnet Year Invented
around the year 1700 Country of Origin
Italy https://www.yamaha.com/en/musical_instrument_guide/piano/structure/#:~:text=The%20piano%20was%20invented%20by,in%20around%20the%20year%201700. -
Bassoon
Wood Wind instrument Year Invented
was developed in the mid 17th century. Country of Origin
France https://www.britannica.com/art/bassoon#:~:text=The%20present%20construction%20in%20four,the%20shawm%20as%20an%20oboe. -
Glockenspiel
Keyboard percussion Year Invented
17th century Country of Origin
Germany https://www.britannica.com/art/glockenspiel -
Antonio Vivaldi- Winter, Movement 1 from The Four Seasons:
Composed by Antonio Vivaldi Composed around 1718–1720, when Vivaldi was the court chapel master in Mantua. They were published in 1725 in Amsterdam Work Title - the Four Seasons Style - Baroque music
-exuberant
-fast pace Link to Song -
J. S. Bach- Tocatta and Fugue in D Minor:
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach Composed in between 1704 and the 1740s Work Title - BWV 538 Style
-Baroque music
-The music of Bach's Toccata and Fugue owes much of its spookiness to the drama it employs: Harmonically, it is set in a somber minor mode that is generally aligned with more negative emotions such as sadness, nostalgia, loss and despair. Within this minor mode, a striking melodic contour is unleashed Link to Song -
Period: to
Joseph Haydn early and mid-Classical Period Austrian composer
Notable Works
Trumpet Concerto in E Flat Major Major Influences
He established the basic forms of symphonic music and string quartet, which became the model and inspiration for the works of Mozart and of Beethoven, who studied under Haydn Fun Fact
-Haydn suffered throughout his life from nasal polyps
-Age 8—sent to Vienna to be a choir boy Country of Origin
Rohrau, Austria Joseph Haydn who is he -
Period: to
symphony a style of the Classical Period
Though a symphony is divided into separate parts, a typical Classical Period symphony can last between 25 and 35 minutes. The first movement of a symphony is generally the most dramatic and longest movement. -Joseph Haydn is generally considered the “father of the symphony,” not because he invented the genre, but because he wrote so many of them (at least 104!).
-Mozart
-Ludwig van Beethoven Link -
Period: to
sonata a style of the Classical Period
a sonata is a piece for solo instrument, almost always solo piano, or a duet between piano and solo instrument, usually a violin or cello The basic elements of sonata form are three: exposition, development, and recapitulation, in which the musical subject matter is stated, explored or expanded, and restated. Composers such as Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven were well known for their sonatas Link -
Period: to
string quartet a style of the Classical Period
Quartets written during the classical period usually had four movements, with a structure similar to that of a symphony: A fast movement in sonata form in the tonic key. A slow movement, in a related key. A minuet and trio or (in later works) scherzo and trio, in the tonic key Prominent Composers
-Joseph Haydn's
-Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's
-Ludwig van Beethoven
-Franz Schubert Link -
Period: to
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart mid-Classical composer
Notable Works
-Symphony No. 40 in G Minor
-Don Giovanni Major Influences
His innovative approach to composition, characterized by intricate counterpoint, symphonic form, and lyrical melodies, pushed the boundaries of classical music during the late 18th century Fun Fact
-Son of a professional musician Country of Origin
Mozart's Birthplace, Salzburg, Austria Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart who is he -
Period: to
Ludwig van Beethoven late Classical composer
Notable Works
-Piano Sonata in C Minor, Op. 13
-Symphony No. 5 in C Minor, Op. 67 Major Influence
-Beethoven was an innovator of musical form. He widened the scope of the symphony, the sonata, the concerto, and the quartet and in so doing broke many patterns of Classical music. Fun Facts
-Son of a professional musician
-Wrote final pieces while totally deaf
-Died in Vienna Country of Origin
Bonn, Germany Ludwig van Beethoven -
Symphony No. 40 in G Minor
Composer of the song - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart mid-Classical composer Work Title - The Great G Minor Symphony Symphony No. 40 in G minor, K. 550 was written by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in 1788. Style - Unlike most Classical Era first movement sonatas, Mozart begins in media res dropping the listener into the quick motion of the lower strings and a turbid melody in violin octaves.
-Symphony Link to Song -
Period: to
Gioachino Rossini Classical composer
Notable Works
-The Barber of Seville
-William Tell Major Influence
During his lifetime he was able challenge and change the dramatic structures for serious opera as well as provide the link from opera buffa (comic opera) leading to the development of opera comique (French opera with both speech and arias). Fun Fact
He had fun teasing and playing tricks on his friends Country of Origin
Pesaro, Italy Gioachino Rossini who is he -
Trumpet Concerto in E Flat Major
Composer of the song - Joseph Haydn Joseph Haydn composed the Concerto per il Clarino in 1796 Work Title
-Concerto per il Clarino Style - Concerto Link to Song -
Period: to
Franz Schubert
Notable Works
Erlkönig (The Erlking), 1815- Based upon narrative ballad with supernatural topic by Goethe
Franz Schubert is remembered for his songs—also called lieder—and his chamber music. He also created symphonies, masses, and piano works. His most notable works included Erlkönig, written in 1815
based upon a poem by Goethe. Country of Origin
Himmelpfortgrund, Vienna, Austria A Composer during the Romantic Period -
Piano Sonata in C Minor, Op. 13
Composer of the song - Ludwig van Beethoven Classical Period Work Tittle - Sonata Pathétique Written in 1798 when the composer was 27 years old and was published in 1799 Style was emotional/expressive
"led the way for the more emotionally charged music" Link to Song -
Period: to
Frédéric Chopin
Notable Works
-Nocturne in E Flat Major, Op. 9, no. 2 Major influences
Chopin is one of the most influential and popular composers of piano music of the 19th century. In Poland he is regarded as the person who has had the most influence on the country's history of music Chopin composed almost exclusively for piano solo and has been called the pianists' composer. Country of Origin
Żelazowa Wola, Poland Frédéric Chopin a Romantic Composer -
Period: to
Franz Liszt
Notable Works
Transcendental Etude no. 10 in F Minor Major Influences
Franz Liszt was the greatest piano virtuoso of his time. He was the first to give complete solo recitals as a pianist. He was a composer of enormous originality, extending harmonic language and anticipating the atonal music of the 20th century. He invented the symphonic poem for orchestra Country of Origin
Raiding, Austria Franz Liszt a Romantic Composer info -
French Horn
Brass Instrument Year Invented
invented in 1814 and patented in 1818 by a German horn player named Heinrich Stolzel. Country of Origin
Germany https://www.larkmusic.com/news-and-views/the-french-horn-top-facts/ -
Erlkönig
Composed by Franz Schubert
Composed in 1815 Based upon narrative ballad with supernatural topic by Goethe Work Title - The Erlking Style - Its form is the through-composed song; although the melodic motives recur, the harmonic structure is constantly changing and the piece modulates within the four characters.
-Romantic Period
-short song that is usually based on a story or poem and conveys a single and particular emotion or event Link to Song -
Period: to
Clara Wieck Schumann
Notable Works
Romance in E Flat Minor for Piano,
(1839) Major Influences
Throughout her life, Clara was well-known as a piano soloist, gaining fame for her technical proficiencies, sensitive interpretations of musical works, and her ability to express the composer's intent in the music. Fun Fact
Clara Wieck and Robert Schumann met at a concert. Country of Origin
Leipzig, Germany Clara Wieck Schumann a Romantic Composer -
Period: to
Chamber Music a style of the Romantic Period
Chamber music in the Romantic era flourished as composers sought to explore intimacy and personal expression in smaller ensembles. Works for strings, piano, and winds became popular, with composers such as Johannes Brahms, Claude Debussy, and Antonín Dvořák
Music that showed both individual instruments and interplay between musicians. Characteristics
Intimacy and Expression
Innovative Form
Diverse Instrumentation
Link -
Period: to
Art Song (Lied) a style of the Romantic period
The art song, or “Lied,” became one of the defining forms of Romantic music, with composers such as Franz Schubert, Robert Schumann, and Johannes Brahms elevating the genre to new heights. These songs typically paired a vocal melody with piano accompaniment, capturing the essence of poetry and emotion. Characteristics
-Poetic Texts
-Expressive Melody and Harmony
-Personal Themes Link to Info -
Period: to
Orchestral Music a style of the Romantic period
Romantic era saw a significant expansion in both the size and the emotional depth of compositions. Composers like Hector Berlioz, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, and Gustav Mahler pushed the boundaries of orchestration, utilizing larger orchestras and innovative techniques to evoke powerful emotions and vivid imagery Characteristics
-Rich Harmonies and Textures
-Programmatic Elements
-Increased Contrast Link To Info -
Nocturne in E Flat Major, Op. 9, no. 2
Composer of the song - Frédéric Chopin
Composed between 1830–1832 Work Title -the night Style - Chopin uses a form in which the main melody repeats several times throughout the piece. The first presentation of the melody is beautiful, simple, and has an almost childlike innocence.
-Romantic
-Nocturne
-Melodic Beauty Link to Song -
Tuba
Brass Instrument Year invented September 12, 1835 Country of Origin
Germany https://study.com/academy/lesson/tuba-history-parts-music.html#:~:text=It%20was%20only%20in%20the,to%20play%20low%2Dpitched%20music. -
Period: to
Arnold Schoenberg 20th Century Composer
Notable Works
-A Survivor from Warsaw
-Mondestrunken (Moondrunk)
from Pierrot Lunaire, Op. 21 (Moonstruck Pierrot)
by Schoenberg (1912) Major Influence
-developed the highly celebrated twelve-tone technique. He was also known to be the master of developing variation construction principle. Country of Origin
Leopoldstadt, Vienna, Austria Arnold Schoenberg who is he -
Period: to
Béla Bartók 20th Century Composer
Notable Works
Concerto for Orchestra Major Influence
-Hungarian folk music, as well as to other folk music of the Carpathian Basin and even of Algeria and Turkey; in so doing he became influential in that stream of modernism which exploited indigenous music and techniques Fun Facts
-Taught piano in Hungary and wrote books for pedagogy
-Used folksongs as basis of his music Country of Origin
Sânnicolau Mare, Romania Béla Bartók who is he -
Congos
Percussion Instrument Year Invented
approximately 1886 Country of Origin
Cuba https://www.congachops.com/blog-articles/2021/1/1/a-brief-history-of-the-conga-drums -
Period: to
William Grant Still 20th century Composer
Notable Works
Afro-American Symphony Major Influence
Still broke racial barriers and earned many “firsts” in the realm of classical music. He was the first African American to conduct a major symphony orchestra in the United States, as well as first to have an opera produced by a major company in the United States. Fun Fact
Worked for W. C. Handy in Memphis, TN Country of Origin
Woodville, MS William Grant Still who is he -
Period: to
expressionism a style of the 20th century and beyond
-Expressionism can be considered a reaction to the ethereal sweetness of impressionism.
-expressionism looks inward to the angst and fear lurking in the subconscious mind
-expressionism is manifest in the full embrace of jarring dissonance. Characteristics
high level of dissonance, extreme contrasts of dynamics, Prominent Composers
Arnold Schoenberg
Alban Berg
Anton Webern Link -
Period: to
impressionism a style of music of the 20th Century and Beyond
Impressionism in music was a movement among various composers in Western classical music whose music focuses on mood and atmosphere, "conveying the moods and emotions aroused by the subject rather than a detailed tone‐picture". Prominent Composers
Claude Debussy
Maurice Ravel Characteristics
Rejection of traditional structure
Progressive harmony
Emphasis on atmosphere and mood Link -
Period: to
neoclassicism a style of the 20th century and beyond
Neoclassicism in music was a twentieth-century trend, particularly current in the interwar period, in which composers sought to return to aesthetic precepts associated with the broadly defined concept of "classicism", namely order, balance, clarity, economy, and emotional restraint. Key Characteristics
order, balance, clarity, economy, and emotional restraint. Prominent Composers
Igor Stravinsky
Aaron Copland Link -
Period: to
Aaron Copland a 20th Century Composer
Notable Works
Appalachian Spring Major influence
Copland was referred to by his peers and critics as the "Dean of American Composers". The open, slowly changing harmonies in much of his music are typical of what many consider the sound of American music, evoking the vast American landscape and pioneer spirit. Fun Fact
Drew from American folklore for topics Country of Origin
Brooklyn, New York, NY - USA Aaron Copland who is he -
Debussy - Clair de Lune
Composed by Claude Debussy
Composed in 1890 and revised and published in 1905 Style
-20th Century period
-musical Impressionism
-solo piano Quote
"Why is Clair de lune so popular? This is a memorable piece of music because of its gorgeous melody, lush chords, and its quiet and dreamy nature." Link to Song -
Hoedown
Composed by Aaron Copland
Composed in 1942 Work Title - Hoedown Style
-20th Centruy period
-Folk Music
-An American Style
His piece "Hoedown" from the ballet Rodeo exemplifies this, blending sophisticated classical music with cowboy folk tunes to captivate American audiences. Link to Song -
Luciano Pavarotti - La Donna È Mobile (Rigoletto) vocal
Composed by Luciano Pavarotti Work Title - "Woman is fickle" Style - Expressive
-Romantic Period Link to Song -
The Hours - Philip Glass - Morning Passages
Composed by Philip Glass Composed as part of the award-winning soundtrack for the 2002 film The Hours, Philip Glass' Morning Passages is a hypnotic work for solo piano Style
-music with repetitive structures
-hypnotic work for solo piano
-20th-21st Century period Link to Song