Eras

What are the Eras of Music?

• Definition: The eras of music refer to historical periods in which distinct styles, techniques, and characteristics of music developed.
• Understanding these eras provides context for analysing prescribed works, composing in specific styles, and interpreting music in performance.

Importance in the Exam

• Listening: Recognising stylistic features of prescribed works from different eras.
• Composing: Using era-specific techniques, such as ornamentation in Baroque or chromaticism in Romantic music.
• Performing: Understanding the performance practice of different periods to interpret music appropriately.

The Major Eras of Western Music

Medieval Era (c. 500–1400)

• Characteristics:
  • Monophonic textures in early music (e.g., Gregorian chant).
  • Development of polyphony in later Medieval music (e.g., organum).
  • Modal tonality and limited use of dynamics.
• Instruments: Early forms of the lute, organ, and recorder.
• Composers: Hildegard von Bingen, Guillaume de Machaut.

Renaissance Era (c. 1400–1600)

• Characteristics:
  • Richer textures with polyphony (e.g., motets, madrigals).
  • Use of imitation and word painting.
  • Greater emphasis on harmony and blending of vocal and instrumental music.
• Instruments: Viol, harpsichord, and early brass instruments.
• Composers: Palestrina, Thomas Tallis, John Dowland.

Baroque Era (c. 1600–1750)

• Characteristics:
  • Ornamentation in melodies and harmonies.
  • Contrast between loud and soft dynamics (terraced dynamics).
  • Establishment of major/minor tonality and functional harmony.
  • Development of new forms like fugues, concertos, and operas.
• Instruments: Harpsichord, violin family, organ.
• Composers: J.S. Bach, Handel, Vivaldi, Purcell.

Classical Era (c. 1750–1820)

• Characteristics:
  • Clear, balanced melodies with simple harmonies.
  • Homophonic textures (melody with accompaniment).
  • Standardisation of forms like sonata, symphony, and string quartet.
  • Use of dynamics and contrasts for expression.
• Instruments: Piano replaces harpsichord; development of orchestral ensembles.
• Composers: Mozart, Haydn, early Beethoven.

Romantic Era (c. 1820–1900)

• Characteristics:
  • Emotional expression, dramatic contrasts, and chromatic harmonies.
  • Larger orchestras and expanded use of tone colour.
  • Programme music (music that tells a story) became popular.
• Instruments: Full orchestral range, including new brass (tuba) and woodwinds (bass clarinet).
• Composers: Chopin, Tchaikovsky, Wagner, Brahms.

20th Century and Contemporary Music (1900–Present)

• Characteristics:
  • Experimentation with tonality (e.g., atonality, serialism) and rhythm.
  • Use of electronic instruments and unconventional techniques.
  • Diverse styles, including minimalism, jazz, and avant-garde.
• Instruments: Synthesizers, electric guitar, new percussion instruments.
• Composers: Stravinsky, Schoenberg, Debussy, John Cage, Steve Reich.

Key Skills for Mastering Musical Eras

Recognising Styles

• Identify era-specific traits, such as ornamentation in Baroque or chromaticism in Romantic music.
• Practise distinguishing textures (e.g., monophonic chant vs. polyphonic motet).

Contextual Knowledge

• Learn about the cultural and historical context of each era to better understand its music.
• Relate composers' works to the characteristics of their era.

Aural and Score Analysis

• Listen for key features, such as the harpsichord in Baroque or large orchestras in Romantic pieces.
• Study scores to observe how harmony, texture, and melody evolved across eras.

Preparation Tips

Study Prescribed Works

• Identify how each prescribed work reflects the stylistic traits of its era.

Practise Listening

• Compare works from different periods to notice differences in texture, harmony, and instrumentation.

Apply to Composition

• Use techniques like terraced dynamics (Baroque) or motivic development (Classical) in your melodies and harmonies.