Music History

Question 1

Timeline of western music

Answer 1

Pre-1600: The renaissance period
1600-1750: The baroque period
1750-1820: The classical period
1820-1900: The romantic period
1900-2000: The twentieth century
1920s: Jazz music (USA)

Question 2

Describe the renaissance period

Answer 2

• 1400-1600
• liberated from medievalism - person expression
• printing allowed easy distribution on mass scale
• music became entertainment - amateur musicians could take part

Question 3

Musical features of the renaissance period

Answer 3

• music based on modes
• four or more parts
• blending textures
• harmony focused on chordal progressions
• polyphonic
• instrumental + vocal

Question 4

Composers of the renaissance period

Answer 4

• Palestrina
• Lassus
• Byrd
• Dowland

Question 5

Describe the baroque period

Answer 5

• 1600-1750
• elaborate (misshapen pearl)
• focused on Ancient Greek texture monody (melody + continuo)

Question 6

Musical features of the baroque period

Answer 6

• use of harpsichord
• elaboration of Melodie’s using ornamentation
• bass continuo
• monody + homophony
• development of western tonality
• dramatic music forms
• linear melodies
• idiomatic (written for their instrument) writing

Question 7

Composers of the baroque period

Answer 7

• J.S. Bach
• G.F. Handel
• A. Vivaldi