Overview

Music is a universal language of rhythm, melody, harmony, and expression. As a core part of the humanities, it bridges emotion, culture, and time. From sacred chants and classical symphonies to jazz improvisation and digital pop, music reflects both individual creativity and collective identity.

Major Historical Periods

• Medieval (c. 500–1400): Gregorian chant, early polyphony.
• Renaissance (c. 1400–1600): Harmony, motets, madrigals.
• Baroque (c. 1600–1750): Ornamentation, opera, fugue (e.g., Bach, Handel).
• Classical (c. 1750–1820): Balanced form, clarity, sonata (e.g., Mozart, Haydn).
• Romantic (c. 1820–1900): Emotion, nationalism, virtuosity (e.g., Chopin, Wagner).
• 20th Century–Present: Modernism, jazz, electronic, world music, minimalism.

Musical Forms and Concepts

• Melody and Harmony: Pitch and chord structure.
• Rhythm and Meter: Beats, patterns, time signatures.
• Form: Structure of a work (e.g., sonata, rondo, theme and variation).
• Genres: Opera, symphony, concerto, jazz combo, rock, folk.
• Instrumentation: The specific voices or instruments used (e.g., string quartet, brass band).

Influential Composers and Performers

• Johann Sebastian Bach: Master of counterpoint and Baroque form.
• Ludwig van Beethoven: Transitioned Classical to Romantic music.
• Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Prolific genius of the Classical era.
• Duke Ellington: Jazz innovator and big band leader.
• Igor Stravinsky: Modernist pioneer (e.g., The Rite of Spring).
• Aretha Franklin: Soul icon blending gospel, pop, and activism.

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