The evolution of musical instruments and periods

  • Flute
    9600 BCE

    Flute

    The flute now played was modified from an early flute by Theobald Boehm in 1810. At the age of 16 he had made a copy of a Grensef instrument, or a four-key flute.
  • Drums
    6000 BCE

    Drums

    The first drums were made of alligator skins, and have been found in China, where they date back to ancient times.
  • Harp
    2500 BCE

    Harp

    The earliest evidence of the harp
    Was found in Ancient Egypt, therefore leading us to believe the harp was created there. Harps were shaped like bows and had very few strings.
  • Period: 1150 to 1400

    Medieval

    Medieval music includes solely vocal music, such as Gregorian chant and choral music (music for a group of singers), solely instrumental music, and music that uses both voices and instruments (typically with the instruments accompanying the voices). Gregorian chant was sung by monks during Catholic Mass.
  • Trumpet
    1400

    Trumpet

    The trumpet was created by Heinrich Stoelzel and is a brass instrument, commonly used for classical and jazz pieces.
  • Period: 1400 to

    Renaissance

    Renaissance music is vocal and instrumental music written and performed in Europe during the Renaissance era. In the Renaissance, music became a vehicle for personal expression. Composers found ways to make vocal music more expressive of the texts they were setting.
  • Violin
    1501

    Violin

    The violin is an instrument with 4 strings, and that you play with a bow. The violin was founded by Andrea Amati and was made in northern Italy. The violin was made around the same time as the cello.
  • Cello
    1501

    Cello

    The cello is an Instrument with 4 strings, and can be played with a bow or plucked. The cello was founded by Andrea Amati in Italy at around the time of the violin.
  • Period: to

    Baroque

    Baroque music is a style of Western art music composed from approximately 1600 to 1750. The Baroque period saw the creation of tonality. During the period, composers and performers used more elaborate musical ornamentation, made changes in musical notation, and developed new instrumental playing techniques.
  • Oboe

    Oboe

    The oboe is a ovule reed woodwind instrument that was created by Jacques Hotteterre and Michel Philidor, both of whom were french court musicians.
  • Clarinet

    Clarinet

    The clarinet was created by Johann Christoph Denner in Germany. The clarinet is a woodwind instrument, and was developed by modifying an instrument called the chalumeau.
  • Period: to

    Classical

    Classical music has a lighter, clearer texture than baroque music and is less complex. It is mainly homophonic—melody above chordal accompaniment (but counterpoint by no means is forgotten, especially later in the period).
  • Period: to

    Early Romance

    Compositions became increasingly expressive and inventive. Expansive symphonies, virtuosic piano music, dramatic operas, and passionate songs took inspiration from art and literature. The Romantic era is known for its intense energy and passion.
  • Period: to

    Late romance

    Compositions became increasingly expressive and inventive. Expansive symphonies, virtuosic piano music, dramatic operas, and passionate songs took inspiration from art and literature. The Romantic era is known for its intense energy and passion.
  • Saxophone

    Saxophone

    The saxophone was invented by Adolphe Sax who was a musical instrument designer born in Belgium who could play many wind instruments.
  • Period: to

    Post ‘great war’ years

    The defining feature of modern music (and modern art generally) is the breaking-down of all traditional aesthetic conventions, thereby unleashing complete freedom in all aesthetic dimensions, including melody, rhythm, and chord progression.