西方古典音乐不同时期的划分，与一般的历史年代划分略有不同
Antiquity 古希腊、古罗马音乐（古代音乐）
Ancient Greeks and Romans 400BCE to 700CE. In art and literature, this is known as the “classical” period.
Medieval 中世纪
Also known as the “Middle Ages” or “Dark Ages” 700 to 1450. Most of the knowledge from this period comes from writings. This is when music first began to be written down (Gregorian Chant), and to be preserved. Vocal music expanded from one part to as many as three.
Renaissance 文艺复兴时期
1450-1600. This is when music becomes not associated with the church, and local music becomes still more complex, written for as many as six parts.
Barroque 巴洛克
1600-1750. Most notation had settled down into the form we know today, and instrumental music took its place alongside vocal music as an equal partner. Bach, Handel, and Vivaldi were three of the greatest composers, and their music is still played in concerts today. Little emphasis on self expression. Emotions were shown rather through musical gestures. These melodies tended to be complex, and to be repeated in different sequences.
巴洛克（Baroque），该词源自葡萄牙语，原意为“不规则的珍珠”，即含有“怪诞的，凌乱的美”的意思。在艺术史上，“巴洛克”一词最先指的是建筑风格，表现的是华丽精密的雕刻，宏大的建筑格局，夸张至极的装饰等，后音乐史借用这一概念，“巴洛克”的音乐表现出华丽的特质，极尽复杂精密之能事。
巴洛克的起终点各有一个标志：1600年前后是歌剧的诞生，1750年是音乐巨匠巴赫的去世。
巴洛克时代的音乐具有几个十分标志性的特点，数字低音，即兴处理，协奏的注重，以及情感因素等。而且从织体上说，巴洛克时代是复调音乐的巅峰时代，并且开始向主调音乐转型。
代表人物：巴赫、亨德尔
Classical 古典主义时期
1750-1800. The shortest of all the periods of music history, yet its the term we use to describe all of Western art music. Classical style valued grace, balance, and clarity, and above all it aimed to please the listener.
代表人物：海顿、贝多芬、莫扎特等奥地利古典乐派
Romantic 漫主义音乐
1800-1900. Also known as the 19th century, these periods saw the rise of the artist as cultural hero, and self expression as a worthy goal.
20th Century
1900-Present. A period of dramatic upheaval in art music. The main characteristic is diversity, including the rise of popular music, beginning with jazz.
Johann Sebastian Bach
- Born in 1685
- Died in 1750
- Known as “Sebastian”
- Played the organ, harpsichord, and violin
- Fathered 20 kids
- Rebelled Against Authority
- He composed all the forms of his day except opera
- He wrote whatever was required by his job
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