Music Throughout the Ages

By dribson
  • Period: 1150 to 1400

    Medieval

  • 1210

    Magnus Liber Written

    Magnus Liber is a compilation of medieval music in the organum melody. This book represents a step in western music between plain chanting and polyphony of later composers. Writing finished sometime in the early 13th century.
  • May 22, 1306

    Feast of the Swans Held

    A knighting of Edward II, who then knighted 266 other men. This celebration called for over 150 minstrels, 26 harpists, 13 fiddlers, 3 gigatores, 2 players of psaltery, a citole, and a gittern.
  • 1377

    Guillaume de Machaut Dies

    Machaut was one of the most influential medieval composers. In his life, he wrote the Messe de Nostre Dame, the earliest setting of the Ordinary of the Mass.
  • Period: 1400 to

    Renaissance

  • Mar 22, 1421

    Old Hall Manuscript Finished

    Supposedly, at least. This manuscript is a significant source of English sacred music of the 14th and 15th centuries.
  • 1439

    Printing Press Invented

    Not used extensively for music until 1470's, however. Allowed for easy writing and copying of music, while also being cheap to produce.
  • 1510

    Josquin des Pres Composes "Missa de Beata Virgine"

    Josquin's most popular masses in the 16th century.
  • Period: to

    Baroque

  • Monteverdi's Opera "L'Orfeo" Premieres

    One of the first Operas written, it was originally described as a "musical play" in which the actors would sing their parts. This opera originally premiered in the 1607 Carnival, in Mantua, Italy.

  • Claudio Monteverdi Dies

    Claudio Monteverdi was a pioneer in the development of opera performances. He was also considered crucial in the transition from the Renaissance period and the Baroque period of music.

  • George Frideric Handel's "Messiah" Premieres

    Messiah is an English oratorio, which is a large musical composition for orchestra and choir. Messiah had scriptural texts compiled from the King James Bible. After modest reception, the piece eventually become one of the most frequently preformed choral works in western music.
  • Period: to

    Classical

  • Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is Born

    Mozart was born in Salzburg, Austria, and from a young age, showed prodigious musical ability.

  • Mozart's "Die Zauberflöte" Opera Premieres

    One of Mozart's last pieces composed, "Die Zauberflöte" (The Magic Flute), was first shown in the Theater auf der Wieden, in Vienna, Austria. This piece was first preformed approximately 2 months before he died on December 5th, 1791. In the Köchel catalogue, the chronological list of all of Mozart's works, it is listed as K. 620, being his 620th piece.

  • Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 is Premiered

    Beethoven's last complete symphony premiered in the Theater am Kärntnertor, in Vienna, Austria. Beethoven's 9th is regarded as one of the greatest works of western music.
  • Period: to

    Early Romantic

  • Saxophone Invented

    Specifically, the Saxophone family of instruments. Created by Adolphe Sax. He also designed other instruments, or redesigns of existing ones, including flutes and the clarinet.

  • Richard Wagner Writes "Das Rheingold"

    The first of four music dramas that would be a part of Wagner's "Der Ring des Nibelungen", one of the longest operas ever performed, taking around 15 hours to play entirely.

  • "Silent Night" Translated to English

    One of the most iconic Christmas Carols. Originally composed in 1818 in Austria.
  • Period: to

    Late Romantic

  • Richard Wagner Writes "Götterdämmerung"

    The last of four music dramas that would be a part of Wagner's "Der Ring des Nibelungen", one of the longest operas ever performed, taking around 15 hours to play entirely.

  • Phonograph Invented

    Invented by Thomas Edison, the phonograph was the first invention that could record sounds and reproduce them.

  • "Semper Fidelis" March is Written

    Semper Fidelis is the official march of the U.S. Marine Corps.
  • Period: to

    Post 'Great War' Years

  • "The Beatles" Is Formed

    One of the most well known bands from the 60's and 70's. The Beatles has become almost the face of classic rock.

  • Woodstock Music Festival Held

    One of the largest music festivals, at least for its time. Lasting 3 days in Bethel, New York and featuring 32 acts and attracting over 400,000 attendees.

  • Michael Jackson's "Thriller" Album Released

    One of the most iconic pop albums in history, featuring many of the songs that Jackson is known for today, including "Beat It", "Thriller", and "Billie Jean".

  • "Demon Days" Album by Gorillaz Released

    One of the most iconic albums of the 21st century, both in its album art and one of many hit singles, "Feel Good Inc.".