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Classical Music Periods - TSV

Classical music periods are chronological classifications of Western music development. They are broadly divided into six eras: Medieval (c. 400–1400), Renaissance (c. 1400–1600), Baroque (c. 1600–1750), Classical (c. 1750–1820), Romantic (c. 1820–1900), and Modern/Contemporary (c. 1900–present). Each period has its own musical styles, expressive techniques, and representative composers, forming an important foundation for understanding music history.

classical music Western music history music history periods composers

code	slug	name	description	keyComposers	period
01	medieval	Medieval	An era dominated by religious music centered on Christianity.	Guillaume de Machaut, John Dunstaple, Hildegard of Bingen	c. 400–1400 CE
02	renaissance	Renaissance	An era when counterpoint developed highly and secular music flourished.	Josquin des Prez, Palestrina, Monteverdi	c. 1400–1600 CE
03	baroque	Baroque	An era characterized by basso continuo, with the birth of opera and concerto.	J.S. Bach, Handel, Vivaldi, Purcell, Rameau, Scarlatti	c. 1600–1750 CE
04	classical	Classical	An era emphasizing clarity, balance, and simplicity, with perfected symphony and sonata forms.	Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven (early), Schubert	c. 1750–1820 CE
05	romantic	Romantic	An era emphasizing emotional expression and individuality, with greatly expanded orchestras.	Beethoven (late), Brahms, Chopin, Liszt, Wagner, Tchaikovsky, Mahler, Verdi	c. 1820–1900 CE
06	modern	Modern/Contemporary	An era that broke traditional tonality and gave birth to experimental techniques.	Schoenberg, Stravinsky, Debussy, Ravel, John Cage, Toru Takemitsu, John Williams	c. 1900–present