When we think of music, a variety of factors come into play – personal preference, background, what we want to feel at the moment when we choose to listen... Such a wide range of options are available in the musical world, from classical to electronic to folk to rap. And it is fascinating to think that it all started thousands and thousands of years ago, even before recorded history.
A History of Music
Western Art Music
Common Practice Period
Classical music encompasses a wide range of periods and styles. However, what we may typically think of as "classical" is actually considered the Common Practice Period, which spanned from 1550 to 1900. This period brought about the invention of staff notation, which is widely recognized as a defined form of musical instruction, giving the player specifics on the timing and individual notes that are expected to be played in sequence.
The Common Practice Period covers three sub-periods of music:
Baroque Music: 1669-1760
Classical Music: 1730-1820
Romantic Music: 1815-1910