A Brief Overview of Classical Music

Though classical music appeals to many people, the diversity, complexity and even the mystique of "Classical Music" can be rather intimidating. The classical music genre is rich enough to provide a lifetime of wonder and surprises, and a nearly limitless potential for discovery makes the journey well worth the effort.

The world of classical music spans nearly 10 centuries, and encompasses a multitude of styles, forms, and purposes. The terms used for the various historic periods are borrowed from art history, and often follow similar developmental trends in painting, sculpture, literature, and architecture. Although any such groupings are at best arbitrary, it may help you to associate composers with the predominant styles flourishing during these periods, and thus make it easier to find music that you will like that for now may be unfamiliar.

Medieval (before 1450)

Renaissance (1450-1600)

Baroque (1600-1750)

Classicism (1750-1820)

Romanticism (1810-1910)

20th century (1900-present)

Modern (1945-present)

(Note that dates are approximate, and to be used as guidelines only.)