The Western Music Timeline
Music, What is it? Well according to me it is “any pleasing and harmonious sound”. But it was not always like what we see today. It possesses a fascinating tale of reaching its peak through phases of Love and War. As anyone could say, “Music existed before Mankind”. So true isn’t it. There was music in the bird’s chirp, in the leaves shivering due to the winds and what not. But the true revolution comes at a point where we started to understand it, interpret it and make it.
Not long before, we were using sounds to scare off animals, aren’t we? Then there comes the first musician who created a rhythm. Soon after we started to explore it. A call for danger, call for joy, call for a meal, etc. , music has played a significant role in everybody’s life since the beginning. At first, music was basically made by wooden sticks and rocks and used for religious ceremonies. But as more advanced instruments came in, like harps and flutes in Egypt it became a necessary part of people daily life. Soon many instruments were invented including the most famous one, ‘Guitar’ in around 1500BC.
Ancient Rome and Greece:
Greece was the root of all Classical Art, so it is no coincidence that classical music is rooted in Greece innovations. “Pythagoras”, a great mathematician, dissected music as a science and gave a significant milestone in modern music: THE OCTAVE SCALE. Soon after, music competitions became common in Greece with huge spectatorship which includes Trumpets. They mark the birth of Polyphony.
Medieval Period:
It was a premature time for music but this period gave birth to Polyphony, a style where two or more melodies are woven together. Instruments were seen as the gift of God as one can see angels playing lute, shawms, trumpets and harps. Music was a way to praise heaven for such gifts. Hence, Churchs are the first to have a music school and they used to control most of the music made.
Renaissance — The Birth:
This time has its own significance as it brought many changes in the music was made and perceived. The major instruments were The Shawms, The Dulcians, and The Trumpets. Musicians began experimenting with the previous versions of melodies of middle ages. The theory of music was there, the written notes were there, the only thing required was the musicians who can change the music in their own sense. Not after long, many did it and much less are known. Guillaume Dufay, Jacob Obrecht, and others were the people who gave a new dimension to the music.
Protestant Reformation was sparked by Martin Luther, and a significant change in church music was seen in forms of Chorale and Hymns, which were meant to be sung by a congregation. Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, known as the High Renaissance composer of counter-reformation sacred music and marked the peak of polyphony in that period.
Baroque — The Bizzare:
It was a time when composers start experimenting with forms, styles, and instruments. This gave birth to Operas and Instrumentals. Violin was considered an important instrument of this time. Opera was the way to depict ancient greek stories and what is happening in society with music, costumes, and voices. Figured Bass was created in this era by using a Keyboard and one or more bass instruments and the major composers were Jacopo Peri and Giulio Caccini.
Classical Period:
This period is characterized by the simpler melodies and forms such as Sonatas. The piano was undoubtedly the primary instrument used by the composers during the classical period. Many instruments come into existence in this astonishing period of soft music. Glass Harmonica was improvised by Benjamin Franklin and Mozart wrote his first symphony. Franciscan friars went on a mission to teach Native American polyphony and plainsong.
In Vienna, Waltz became popular and till now it has a huge imprint on music history. The Vienna Opera House hosted many legends like Mozart and Haydn. Paris Conservatory of Music was founded in 1795 and the era ends with the beginning of new age composers like Louis-Hector Berlioz, Felix Mendelssohn, Richard Wagner etc.
Romantic Period:
Historiographers define the Romantic Music period to be between 1800 to 1900. It is characterized by using music to tell a story or express an idea, and the use of various instruments including wind instruments. Melodies are fuller and more dramatic. Harmonica was invented and it became easy to convey through music. Louis Hector Berlioz created many beautiful symphonies like Symphonie Fantastique and Felix Mendelssohn orchestrated his many famous performances. Music was all over the world then and societies like New York Philharmonic Orchestra, Metropolitan Opera Association was founded to encourage musicians.
20th Century:
Music during the 20th century brought about many innovations on how music was performed and appreciated. Artists were more willing to experiment with new music forms and used technology to enhance their compositions. Many genres we see today became popular during this period like Jazz, Blues, and Electronic. Edgard Varese, Henry Cowell, and John Cage were the notable musicians who experimented with the instruments and technology to shape the modern music.
Whether it is a song of love or symphony of war, music is and will remain a major part of the human history and will always keep us thoughtful and innovative.
As Plato said,
Music gives Soul to the Universe,
Wings to the Mind, Flight to Imagination
& Life to Everything.
