Classical music developed from roughly the 11th century to present times, with the central norms codified between 1550-1900 known as the common practice period. The major time divisions within classical music are the Medieval (500-1400), Renaissance (1400-1600), Baroque (1600-1750), Classical (1750-1830) and Romantic (1815-1910) periods, each with distinct musical characteristics and developments.

1. History of Western Music

2. • Classical music is the art music produced in,
or rooted in, the traditions of Western
liturgical and secular music, encompassing a
broad period from roughly the 11th century to
present times.
• The central norms of this tradition became
codified between 1550 and 1900, which is
known as the common practice period.

3. Divisions of time period of classical
music
• The major time divisions of classical music are
the early music period, which includes
Medieval (500–1400) and Renaissance (1400–
1600), the Common practice period, which
includes the Baroque(1600–1750), Classical
(1750–1830) and Romantic (1815–1910)
periods.

4. Medieval (500–1400)
• Medieval music is Western music written
during the Middle Ages. This era begins with
the fall of the Roman Empire and ends
sometime in the early fifteenth century.
Establishing the end of the medieval era and
the beginning of the Renaissance is difficult.

5. Renaissance (1400–1600)
The main characteristics of Renaissance music
are:
• Music based on modes.
• Richer texture in four or more parts.
• Blending rather than contrasting strands in the
musical texture.
• Harmony with a greater concern with the flow
and progression of chords.

6. Baroque(1600–1750)
• The baroque period saw the development of
functional tonality. During the period, composers
and performers used more elaborate musical
ornamentation, made changes in musical
notation, and developed new instrumental
playing techniques. Baroque music expanded the
size, range, and complexity of instrumental
performance, and also established opera as a
musical genre. Many musical terms and concepts
from this era are still in use today.

7. Classical (1750–1830)
• Classical music has a lighter, clearer texture
than Baroque music and is less complex. It is
mainly homophonic melody above chordal
accompaniment.
• Variety and contrast within a piece became
more pronounced than before.

8. Romantic (1815–1910)
• Romantic music as a movement evolved from
the formats, genres and musical ideas
established in earlier periods, such as the
classical period, and went further in the name
of expression and syncretism of different art-
forms with music. Romanticism does not
necessarily refer to romantic love, though that
theme was prevalent in many works
composed during this time period, both in
literature, painting, or music.