Eras of Music • First Timer's Guide
ERAS OF MUSIC
Middle Ages
450 – 1450
Music of the Middle Ages spans the time from the fall of the Roman Empire
(486 AD) to the beginning of the Renaissance (1450). Music of this era was
dominated by sacred chants harmonized in 4ths, 5ths, and octaves. Composers
of the time oftentimes were anonymous, known only by last name such as
Léonin and Pérotin, or their birthplace such as Hildegard von Bingen.
Renaissance
1450 – 1600
Music of the Renaissance reflects a vibrant time when knowledge and the fine
arts flourished. Music of this era was divided into three different types: sacred,
such as the motet and the Mass; secular, which reflected national trends such
as the Italian madrigal and French chanson; and instrumental music. Composers
of the Renaissance period include Claudio Monteverdi, Giovanni Gabrieli, Guillaune
Du Fay and Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina.
Baroque
1600 – 1750
This era originated in Italy embracing painting, sculpture, architecture, and
music. Emphasizing a single melody line over a bass line called the basso
continuo developed. Instrumental forms such as the sonata and concerto were
created. Composers of the Baroque era include Henry Purcell, Antonio Vivaldi,
George Frideric Handel and Johann Sebastian Bach.
Classical
1750 – 1825
The industrial revolution, philosophy of the Enlightenment and political ideals
of republican government influenced music of the Classical Era. The musical
content reflected art, nature and the social roles of music. Textures become
simpler with formal structure gaining importance. Composers of the Classical
Era include Franz Joseph Hayden, Christoph Gluck, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
and Ludwig Van Beethoven.
Romantic
1825 – 1900
Music of the Romantic Era was influenced by the importance of science, the rise
of European nationalism and the growing autonomy of the arts. The musical
content was influenced by interest in nature and the supernatural, exoticism
and the rise of program music. Melodies are longer, more dramatic; contrasts
and emotion dominate the music. Composers of the Romantic Era include Franz
Schubert, Felix Mendelssohn, Hector Berlioz, Giuseppe Verdi, Peter Ilich
Tchaikovsky and Gustav Mahler.
20th Century
1900 – present
The era saw more classical music written than perhaps any other period; different
styles of music that arose outnumbered those of any other era. Also known as the
Age of Technology, 20th Century Music took full advantage of new technologies as
they became available.
Old musical ideas were challenged; new rules were created and then broken.
Experimentation and evolution was the new motto. Composers include Igor
Stravinsky, Dmitri Shostakovich, Benjamin Britten, Samuel Barber, Aaron Copland,
Leonard Bernstein, and Scott Joplin.
FIRST TIMER'S GUIDE
Prepare Yourself to Attend a Classical Concert
No one likes the unknown and we definitely don’t want to feel foolish. Many people
aren’t sure what to expect from a classical concert and will never attend. A classical
concert is really quite enjoyable and is really not as intimidating as it appears.
Let us help you make the most of your classical concert experience by breaking
some of the myths, offering a heads-up on what it will be like and hopefully
make your classical concert experience a wonderful one.
Top 5 Myths
Myth #1: Only old people attend the classical concerts.
Reality: The classical concert attendee’s age is varied. Retirees do make up a
large part of our audience, yet so do business people who are at the height
of their careers, young couples who crave an elegant night out without their
small children, and college thru middle school students who have an interest
in music.
Myth #2: Everyone wears evening gowns and tuxedos.
Realirty: Many people do enjoy "dressing up" in formal attire for a concert but this
is not required attire. Generally most concertgoers wear business or cocktail attire.
Myth #3: If I clap at the wrong time, I will get kicked out.
Reality: Like any other event, the classical concert does have some etiquette you
will want to observe. It is considered proper to clap only after a piece is complete.
Most pieces have more than one movement which is designated in your program
book and indicated by the orchestra with a slight pause of 15 to 30 seconds
between movements. If the piece has four movements you’ll know your in the
last movement after you hear three pauses. If all else fails, simply wait until the
conductor faces the audience and you’ll know it’s time to clap. If you are particularly
moved by a piece you may just get lost in the music, forget yourself and clap after
a movement – that’s okay, we are glad you were swept away!
Myth #4: I will not recognize any of the music.
Reality: You will recognize more music than you think. The term “classical music”
can mean a variety of music. It could include a wide variety of styles from concerto
to tango. Generally, classical music is played by a symphonic ensemble comprised
of strings, woodwinds, brass and percussion. In fact, many popular movies,
television shows and commercials use classical music to set a mood.
Myth #5: It is expensive to attend a classical concert.
The Southwest Florida Symphony strives to keep concerts affordable and offers
a wide variety of programs. School age children and their families can join the
Campus Chord Club where tickets cost as little as $4. College students can
participate in Student Rush tickets that run $5. Balcony seats are $15 and
Series Subscriptions offer a 20% savings over single ticket prices.