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The earliest form of recorded and important classical music in Western music history. Containing the famous Gregorian chant, madrigals, motets, monophony, and early forms of music notation, all inside of the Catholic Church. Instruments most commonly used include the lute, vielle, and harp, which were used to accompany vocals.
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A treatise on Medieval music that was widely used for musical instruction on singing, performing, and notation as well. Guido of Arezzo placed pitches on lines and spaces giving us the staff we have today. -
One of the earliest known female composers, who was known for her profound visions. These visions inspired writing and compositions which contained great symbolic representations of theological ideas as well as natural phenomena. She was a respected advisor to popes and royalty as well.
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A treatise written by Phillippe de Vitry that had many musical notation breakthroughs, famously including the acceptance of duple meter and allowing for more complex rhythms and phrasing. This treatise triggered the Ars Nova (New Art) Period lasting up to the year 1375. This included controversy because non religious music flourished in a way. -
A rise in polyphony, text expression, and acceptance of blending secular and sacred techniques. Music flourished ten fold in this period compared to the previous Ars Nova period, which many consider a springboard for the Renaissance.
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A Lutheran chorale written by Martin Luther that helped establish chorales in the Protestant church. It is said this piece inspired some of Bach's early works. -
Italian Madrigal for four voices, composed by Arcadelt and published in Venice in 1544. Its importance was its beauty and how it used medieval and early Renaissance styles and techniques. -
A six voice mass sine nomine by Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina. This piece convinced the Council of Trent that complex polyphony could still have textural clarity, which saved polyphony and allowed it to be played in the Catholic church. -
A mass written by Tomas Luis de Victoria that is a parody of a previous piece of the same name. This piece is known for its mystical beauty and rich polyphony. -
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One of the earliest operas. Marks the transition from Renaissance to Baroque. -
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Prolific Baroque composer.
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A collection of concertos that significantly influenced the future of concerto form and inspired many greats after. -
A foundational music theory treatise that greatly influenced Western theory. -
A collection of 24 preludes and fugues, showcasing mastery and the possibilities of equal temperament. -
The “Father of the Symphony and Father of the String Quartet.”
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An English oratorio that is still one of the most performed choral works. Known for its Hallelujah chorus. -
A period marked by Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, and Schubert. Known for clarity, balance, and form.
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Prolific Classical composer known for symphonies, operas, and chamber music.
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Joseph Bologne, a free man of African descent, who was a composer and violinist who elevated the orchestra’s standards thus contributing to French music greatly.
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An opera that blended comedy, drama, and supernatural elements. -
Famous for its loud and unexpected chord designed to surprise listeners.