Classical Music

20th Century Timeline

Take a look at the diverse range of musical styles that came into being during the twentieth century through this interactive timeline. Hover over the black boxes or click on the blue circles to learn historical or biographical information, see facts and pictures, or listen to numerous pieces of music. The composers mentioned are from Russia, Great Britain, America, Austria, Italy, France and more. Political events hugely affected music during the 1900s. Composers broke away from traditional classical music to create modern and post-modernism music. Some of the widest exposure to original music is in movie and video game soundtracks.
Topic: Music--20th century (1925-2000) Lexile: 1290  Interactive Music Video http://www.classicfm.com

History of Classical Music

Much of the music from the Medieval Period was religious in nature, due to the fact that musical manuscripts were written in places associated with learning and the church. Gregorian chant is one form of music from this period. A history of classical music is presented here on this site. Information on classical music begins with the Medieval Period from 1100 to 1400. A Timeline on this page shows the different eras of classical music. Read about Renaissance music, Baroque music, the Classical age, the Romantic years, and the Post Great War years of music on this music history Web site.
Topic: Music--History, Classical music Language: English   Lexile: 1630 http://www.naxos.com

The Classical Music Navigator

The Classical Music Navigator is a huge project which attempts to organize over 400 composers. This web site has an alphabetical list of over 400 composers complete with brief bit of biographical information on each as well as a listing of their major works. There is a Basic Library of works of the composers that is listed by genre. Another section arranges the composers by country. You will find Index of Forms and Styles which groups similar composers. Finally, there is a glossary of terms. You can hear samples of the works of many of the composers. Be sure to read the How to Use This Service before you begin.
Topic: Music, Composers  Language: English  Encyclopedia http://www.wku.edu

Music Styles: Classical

While the Classical era was short, Classical music has come to encompass a variety of Western music. Mozart, Haydn, and Beethoven were the three main composers of the Classical era, but the dates are usually expanded to reach the end of Bach's life too. In a time of political upheaval and scientific breakthroughs, these composers were able to make a living as freelancers instead of being controlled by the church or a patron. Musical notation became more elaborate, and the music itself was more formal and abstract. Notation allowed symphonies and sonatas to be performed far from the composer's hometown.
Topic: Classical music Language: English Lexile: 1130 http://www.sfsymphony.org

Music History 102: The Classical or Viennese Period

Explore the characteristics and composers of Classical music. Baroque music was characterized by counterpoint, but Rococo music focused on ornamented instrumental melodies. Bach's sons wrote many concertos and sonatas in the Viennese style. Symphonies became popular in mid-eighteenth-century Germany, and the contrasting dynamics and tempos can be heard in the works of Haydn and Mozart. String quartets and quintets were written by Boccherini and Schubert, but Beethoven's quartets and symphonies are better known. Find biographical information on Gluck, Haydn, Schubert, Mozart, and Beethoven.
Topic: Classical music Language: English Lexile: 1470  Biography http://www.ipl.org

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