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200 BCE
Epitaph of Seikilos
Found in Turkey, this ancient Greek song is inscribed on a tombstone. Its lyrics encourage living life fully, and it’s written in ancient musical notation. It’s the oldest complete melody we have. -
Period: 476 to 1399
Antiquity and Middle Ages
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588
Gregorian Chant
Created for Roman Catholic worship, these chants were named after Pope Gregory I, although he likely didn’t compose them. They became the foundation of Western church music. -
991
Guido d’Arezzo
Credited with creating the four-line staff, which standardized pitch in written music. He also introduced solmization (using syllables like “Do, Re, Mi”) to teach singers. His contributions made music notation more accessible and systematic. -
1098
Hildegard von Bingen
A German mystic, abbess, and composer, Hildegard wrote both music and theological works. Her compositions, such as Ordo Virtutum (Play of the Virtues), are unique for their extended vocal ranges and use of melismas (many notes on a single syllable). -
1135
Bernart de Ventadorn
A key troubadour from France who sang about courtly love. His melodies often reflected themes of longing and devotion. Songs like Can vei la lauzeta mover remain iconic examples of early secular music. -
1135
Leonin
The first known significant composer of polyphonic organum. His Magnus Liber Organi (Great Book of Organum) served as a basis for future developments in multi-voice music at Notre Dame. -
1160
Perotin
Perotin expanded polyphony by composing organum for up to four voices, making his works richer and more complex. His piece Viderunt Omnes is a landmark example of early multi-voice choral music. -
1170
Ars Antiqua
A period in medieval music where polyphony became common. Composers like Leonin and Perotin from Notre Dame Cathedral led this movement. -
1221
Alfonso X el Sabio
A king who championed arts and science. His Cantigas de Santa María (420 songs) are not only a religious tribute but also a rich source of medieval Iberian musical culture, blending Christian, Muslim, and Jewish traditions. -
1300
Guillaume de Machaut
A French composer and poet who wrote both sacred and secular music. His Messe de Nostre Dame is the first known complete setting of the Catholic Mass by a single composer, combining beautiful polyphony with intricate poetry. -
1310
Ars Nova
A revolutionary movement in 14th-century France, defined by rhythmic complexity and independence between voices. The Ars Nova treatise by Philippe de Vitry formalized new notational techniques, allowing more freedom in rhythm and harmony. -
1335
Francesco Landini
A blind Italian composer and organist. He wrote secular music, mainly ballatas, that featured smooth, flowing melodies and inventive harmonies. His Landini cadence (a melodic closing pattern) became a hallmark of the period. -
1400
Johannes Gutenberg
His invention of the movable-type printing press allowed music to be mass-produced for the first time. This made music accessible to more people and helped spread Renaissance ideas and compositions across Europe. -
Period: 1400 to
Renaissance
Renaissance is the name given in the 19th century to a broad cultural movement that took place in Western Europe during the 15th and 16th centuries. It was a period of transition between the Middle Ages and the beginning of the Modern Age. -
1468
Juan del Encina
A Spanish composer, playwright, and poet, considered a pioneer of secular music. His villancicos (popular Spanish songs) captured the lively spirit of Renaissance Spain. -
1483
Martin Luther
Besides leading the Protestant Reformation, he reformed church music by writing hymns (like Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott) to encourage congregational singing in vernacular languages. -
1500
Cristóbal de Morales
A Spanish composer of sacred polyphony, his motets and masses were widely admired. He worked in the Papal Choir in Rome, spreading his influence across Europe. -
1510
Antonio de Cabezón
A blind Spanish organist and composer, he specialized in instrumental music, such as variations and fantasias. His works were collected in Obras de música (1578), showcasing his skill in improvisation and counterpoint. -
1525
Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina
Known for his smooth polyphonic sacred music, Palestrina’s compositions (e.g., Missa Papae Marcelli) became the standard for Catholic Church music. His work reflected the Counter-Reformation’s ideals of clarity and spiritual devotion. -
1532
Orlando di Lasso
A prolific Franco-Flemish composer who worked in various European styles. He wrote motets, masses, and secular chansons, blending emotional depth with technical brilliance. -
1533
Andrea Gabrieli
A composer and organist at St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice, he wrote festive choral and instrumental works, often involving multiple choirs. -
1544
Maddalena Casulana
The first woman in Western history to have her music printed. Her madrigals demonstrated sophistication and broke barriers for women composers. -
1548
Tomás Luis de Victoria
A Spanish priest-composer renowned for his sacred music, such as Officium Defunctorum (Requiem). His music is deeply emotional, reflecting the spirituality of the Counter-Reformation. -
1557
Giovanni Gabrieli
Andrea’s nephew, he developed the Venetian polychoral style. His works, such as Sonata pian’ e forte, were among the first to specify dynamics and instrumentation. -
1566
Carlo Gesualdo
An Italian nobleman known for his highly expressive and experimental madrigals. His use of chromaticism and abrupt changes of harmony was far ahead of his time. -
1567
Claudio Monteverdi
Monteverdi was a key figure in the transition from the Renaissance to the Baroque period. He is credited with the development of opera as a musical form, with L'Orfeo being one of the first major operas. His compositions are known for their expressive use of harmony and vocal technique. -
Period: to
Baroque
The Baroque was a period in the history of Western culture originating from a new way of conceiving art (the "Baroque style") and which, starting from different historical-cultural contexts, produced works in numerous artistic fields. -
Giacomo Carissimi
Carissimi was a pioneer of the oratorio form, influencing the development of this genre in the Baroque era. Jephte is particularly famous for its dramatic intensity and use of musical imagery to express the emotions of the story. His compositions also reflect the sacred music of the period. -
Barbara Strozzi
One of the few female composers of her time. Her secular cantatas and arias are known for their emotional depth and lyrical beauty. -
Stradivarius
Antonio Stradivari was a renowned violin maker whose instruments, especially violins, are still considered the best ever made. His craftsmanship contributed significantly to the sound quality and development of string instruments in the Baroque period. His violins remain highly sought after today. -
Henry Purcell
Purcell is considered one of England’s greatest composers. His opera Dido and Aeneas is a cornerstone of the English Baroque repertoire. His sacred music, odes, and instrumental works display great expressiveness, and his music blends English tradition with Baroque forms. -
Antonio Vivaldi
An Italian violinist and composer. His most famous work, The Four Seasons, is a set of violin concertos that use vivid musical imagery to depict nature. -
George Philipp Telemann
Telemann was one of the most prolific composers of the Baroque era, writing over 3,000 works. His music blends German, French, Italian, and Polish styles. Though not as famous as Bach or Handel, Telemann was highly influential and beloved in his time, especially in the development of the instrumental concerto. -
Johann Sebastian Bach
A German composer known for his mastery of counterpoint. Works like The Well-Tempered Clavier and Brandenburg Concertos are cornerstones of Western music. -
Georg Friedrich Händel
A German-born British composer. His Messiah oratorio includes the iconic “Hallelujah Chorus.” He was also famous for operas and instrumental suites like Water Music. -
Gluck
was a German composer known for reforming opera. He focused on making music more expressive and dramatic, with works like "Orfeo ed Euridice" and "Alceste." His changes influenced the future of opera. -
Period: to
Classicism
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J. Haydn
was an Austrian composer known as the "Father of the Symphony" and "Father of the String Quartet." He composed over 100 symphonies and 68 string quartets, influencing many composers, including Mozart and Beethoven. His music is characterized by its clarity, balance, and innovation, with famous works like the "Surprise Symphony" and "The Creation." -
Nannerl Mozart
was Wolfgang's older sister, a talented pianist and composer, though her career was limited by her gender. She performed with Wolfgang as a child but is less known for her own compositions. -
Mozart
was an Austrian composer and one of the greatest in classical music. He wrote over 600 works, including symphonies, operas, and chamber music. His famous pieces include "The Magic Flute" and "Requiem." Mozart is known for his mastery of melody, harmony, and orchestration. -
Maria Theresia Von Paradis
was an Austrian composer and pianist who became famous despite losing her sight at a young age. She composed numerous works, including piano pieces and operas, and was a contemporary of Mozart. -
Beethoven
was a German composer who created groundbreaking symphonies and sonatas, including "Symphony No. 5" and "Moonlight Sonata," and is known for bridging Classical and Romantic music. -
Rossini
was an Italian composer best known for his operas, including "The Barber of Seville" and "William Tell." His music is celebrated for its lively, melodic style and clever use of orchestration. -
Schubert
was an Austrian composer known for his symphonies, chamber music, and over 600 lieder (songs). His works like "Ave Maria" and "Symphony No. 8 (Unfinished)" are widely admired for their emotional depth and melodic beauty. -
Period: to
Romanticism
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Berlioz
was a French composer known for his bold, dramatic music. His famous works, like the "Symphonie Fantastique" and "Harold in Italy," are known for their innovative orchestration and emotional intensity, shaping the Romantic music era. -
Mendelssohn
was a German composer known for his symphonies, concertos, and chamber music. His famous works include "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and the "Violin Concerto in E Minor." Mendelssohn is celebrated for his melodic invention and contributions to both classical and romantic music. -
Schumann
was a German composer and pianist known for his symphonies, piano music, and lieder. His works, like "Carnaval" and "Kinderszenen," are celebrated for their emotional expression and innovative structures. -
Chopin
was a Polish composer and pianist, known for his romantic piano music. His works, like nocturnes, études, and preludes, are famous for their emotional expressiveness, technical brilliance, and lyrical beauty. -
Listz
was a Hungarian composer and virtuoso pianist, known for his dramatic piano works like "Hungarian Rhapsodies" and "La Campanella." He was a pioneering figure in romantic music, famous for his technical skill and innovative compositions. -
Verdi
was an Italian composer, famous for his operas like "La Traviata," "Aida," and "Rigoletto." His music is known for its powerful melodies, emotional depth, and dramatic expression, making him one of the most influential opera composers. -
Wagner
was a German composer known for his operas, including "The Ring Cycle," "Tristan und Isolde," and "The Flying Dutchman." His music is known for its rich harmonies, dramatic intensity, and use of leitmotifs, influencing the development of opera and classical music. -
Clara Schumann
was a German pianist and composer, known for her virtuosic piano skills and emotional compositions. Her works include piano concertos, lieder, and chamber music. She was also the wife of Robert Schumann and an influential figure in 19th-century music. -
Smetana
was a Czech composer, known for his symphonic works and operas. His most famous piece, "Má vlast" ("My Country"), is a set of symphonic poems celebrating Czech history and landscapes. Smetana is considered the father of Czech music. -
Brahms
was a German composer known for his symphonies, concertos, and chamber music. Works like his "Symphony No. 1" and "Hungarian Dances" are admired for their depth, complexity, and emotional richness. -
Musorgski
was a Russian composer, known for his powerful and expressive music. His famous works include "Pictures at an Exhibition" and the opera "Boris Godunov." Mussorgsky's music often features dramatic intensity and bold, unconventional harmonies. -
Chaikovski
was a Russian composer famous for his ballets, symphonies, and concertos. His well-known works include "Swan Lake," "The Nutcracker," and "1812 Overture." Tchaikovsky's music is admired for its emotional depth, beautiful melodies, and dramatic expression. -
Dvorak
(1841-1904) was a Czech composer, famous for his symphonies, chamber music, and opera. His well-known works include "New World Symphony" and "Slavonic Dances." Dvořák's music blends Czech folk elements with classical traditions, earning him international acclaim. -
Grieg
was a Norwegian composer, known for his piano music and orchestral works. His famous pieces include "Peer Gynt Suites" and "Piano Concerto in A minor." Grieg's music is influenced by Norwegian folk melodies and is known for its lyrical and expressive qualities. -
Rimski Korsakov
was a Russian composer known for his orchestral music and operas. His famous works include "Scheherazade" and "Flight of the Bumblebee." Rimsky-Korsakov is celebrated for his vivid orchestration and ability to capture exotic and colorful themes. -
Puccini
was an Italian composer, known for his operas like "La Bohème," "Tosca," and "Madama Butterfly." His music is famous for its emotional intensity, beautiful melodies, and ability to create vivid dramatic moments. -
Hugo wolf
was a German composer known for his symphonies, concertos, and chamber music. Works like his "Symphony No. 1" and "Hungarian Dances" are admired for their depth, complexity, and emotional richness. -
Gustav Mahler
was an Austrian composer and conductor, known for his symphonies and orchestral songs. His works, like "Symphony No. 5" and "Adagietto," are famous for their emotional depth and large scale, blending complexity and lyricism. -
Debussy
was a French composer, known for his impressionist style. His famous works include "Clair de Lune," "Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune," and "La Mer." Debussy's music is characterized by its use of innovative harmonies, rich textures, and atmospheric qualities. -
Sibelius
was a Finnish composer, best known for his symphonies and orchestral works. His famous pieces include "Finlandia," "Symphony No. 5," and "The Swan of Tuonela." Sibelius's music is known for its rich, atmospheric sound and strong connection to Finnish national identity. -
Schönberg
(1874-1951) was an Austrian composer, known for developing the twelve-tone technique and pioneering atonal music. His famous works include "Verklärte Nacht" and "Pierrot Lunaire." Schönberg's music is known for its complexity and radical departure from traditional harmony. -
Ravel
was a French composer, known for his impressionist style and exquisite orchestration. His famous works include "Boléro," "Daphnis et Chloé," and "Pavane for a Dead Princess." Ravel's music is admired for its precision, sensuality, and colorful orchestral textures. -
Manuel de Falla
was a Spanish composer, known for his works that blend Spanish folk music with classical traditions. His famous pieces include "Nights in the Gardens of Spain" and the ballet "The Three-Cornered Hat." Falla's music is celebrated for its rhythmic vitality and vivid orchestration. -
Bartok
was a Hungarian composer and ethnomusicologist, known for incorporating folk music into classical compositions. His famous works include "Concerto for Orchestra" and "Romanian Folk Dances." Bartók's music is characterized by its rhythmic complexity and emotional intensity. -
Kódaly
was a Hungarian composer and music educator, known for his choral works and educational methods. His famous compositions include "Háry János Suite" and "Psalmus Hungaricus." Kodály's music blends folk influences with classical elements, and his Kodály Method greatly impacted music education worldwide. -
Joaquín Turina
was a Spanish composer, known for his incorporation of Spanish folk music into classical compositions. His famous works include "La oración del torero" and "Carmen Fantasy." Turina's music is characterized by its vibrant rhythms, rich harmonies, and deep connection to Spanish culture. -
Stravinsky
was a Russian composer, famous for his groundbreaking ballets, including "The Firebird," "Petrushka," and "The Rite of Spring." Stravinsky's music is known for its rhythmic innovation, complex harmonies, and ability to transform musical styles. -
Heitor Villa-Lobos
was a Brazilian composer, known for blending classical music with Brazilian folk themes. His famous works include the "Bachianas Brasileiras" and "Concerto for Guitar." Villa-Lobos is considered one of the most important Latin American composers of the 20th century. -
Gershwin
was an American composer known for his fusion of classical music and jazz. His famous works include "Rhapsody in Blue," "An American in Paris," and the opera "Porgy and Bess." Gershwin's music is celebrated for its catchy melodies and rhythmic energy. -
Period: to
Siglo XX
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Messiaen
was a French composer and organist, known for his unique approach to rhythm, harmony, and use of birdsong in music. His famous works include "Quartet for the End of Time" and "Turangalîla-Symphonie." Messiaen's music blends religious themes, complex rhythms, and vibrant, colorful harmonies. -
Pierre Schaeffer
was a French composer and musicologist, known for pioneering musique concrète, a form of experimental music that uses recorded sounds as raw material. His famous works include "Études de bruits." Schaeffer's innovations laid the foundation for electronic music and sound manipulation. -
John Cage
was an American composer known for his experimental music. His famous piece, "4'33"," is performed in silence, highlighting ambient sounds. Cage's work often used chance and unconventional techniques, influencing avant-garde and contemporary music. -
Pierre Henry
was a French composer, a leading figure in musique concrète. He worked with recorded sounds and was known for his innovative use of electronic music. His famous works include "La musique concrète" and "Variations pour une porte et un soupir." Henry’s music pushed the boundaries of sound experimentation and influenced the development of electronic music. -
Philipp Glass
is an American composer, known for his pioneering work in minimalism. His music features repetitive structures, steady rhythms, and gradual transformations. Famous works include "Glassworks," "Einstein on the Beach," and "Koyaanisqatsi." Glass's style has influenced contemporary music, film scores, and theater.