Concise Revision Course in Western Music History148

Early Music (c.900-1600)- Gregorian chant: Monophonic, liturgical music sung in Catholic churches
- Polyphony: Emerges in the 12th century, with multiple independent melodic lines
- Ars Nova: French musical style of the 14th century, characterized by complex rhythms
- Renaissance: Focus on humanism, with a proliferation of secular music, including madrigals

Baroque (c.1600-1750)- Opera: Dramatic musical form with singing, dialogue, and orchestral accompaniment
- Concerto: Instrumental composition for a soloist and orchestra
- Oratorio: Large-scale choral work based on a biblical or religious text
- Basso continuo: A bass line with chords, providing harmonic support

Classical (c.1750-1820)- Symphony: Orchestral work in several movements, typically in sonata form
- Concerto: Continues to develop, with increasing virtuosity for the soloist
- Opera: Becomes more elaborate and dramatic
- Sonata: Instrumental composition for one or two instruments, in three or four movements

Romantic (c.1820-1900)- Romanticism: Emphasizes emotion, imagination, and individuality
- Symphonic poem: Orchestral work inspired by literature or a specific event
- Opera: Reaches its peak in the works of Verdi and Wagner
- Solo piano works: Gain prominence, including sonatas, nocturnes, and études

Modern (c.1900-present)- Impressionism: Focus on creating atmospheric and evocative textures
- Expressionism: Conveys emotional intensity through dissonant harmonies and unconventional forms
- Serialism: Compositions based on predetermined sequences of notes
- Minimalism: Characterized by repetitive, ostinato-like patterns
- Contemporary music: Encompasses a wide range of styles, from electronica to avant-garde

2024-11-29

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