TRACING WESTERN MUSIC:  1600–1900

• Use of functional harmony to move the listener through the piece and establish relationships (I - IV - V - I);
• Counterpoint:  Melodic lines that retain their individual identity, but also work together;
• Tension and resolution through the use of dissonance and consonance.

Baroque

1600–1750

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750)

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750)

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750)

Other Composers:

George Fredrich Handel

Antonio Vivaldi

• Equal-temperament becomes the standard tuning for modern Western music (Bach's Well Tempered Klavier)
• Much sacred music associated with church services & Christian holidays
• Also music for political and social occasions and dance– but these were often also connected with the church
• Highly complex counterpoint and ornamental
• Improvisation played a key role

Harpsichord

The Baroque Orchestra

Classical

1750–1810

Joseph Haydn (1732–1809)

Wolfgang Mozart (1756–1791)

• Focus on clarity of form and structure, less ornate counterpoint
• The "Age of Enlightenment" emphasized reason, common sense, self-governance; In contrast to Baroque theocracy & aristocracy
• Music should present itself to be clearly understood & appreciated by all, not just those in religious positions.
• ...But social class hierarchies were still dominant 

• Orchestras getting larger (20-40 players)
• Pieces getting longer
• Compositional forms evolving (symphony, sonata, concerto, string quartet)
• First music theory book: Treatise on Harmony, by Rameau (1722)

The Tonal Music System Develops Further

Clavichord

The Classical Orchestra

Romantic

1810–1900

• Other composers: Chopin, Brahms, Wagner, Mahler
• Music as primarily emotional communication, composer as "artisté"
• Dramatic, natural, and supernatural themes (conflict, nature, dreams, magic, drugs)
• Inspiration from the glorified past
• Less connection to the church than ever before
• Huge orchestras, extremely long & ambitious works
• Virtuoso performers as rock-stars
• Close connection with other art forms, especially literary work (poem settings, program music)

Pianoforté

The Romantic Orchestra

The Western Orchestra

1700

1900

1800