The history of classical music is a fascinating journey through different eras, each characterised by distinctive styles, compositional methods and cultural developments. Each of these periods has produced masterpieces that continue to inspire and excite to this day.
Below we present the main features and important representatives of classical music from its beginnings to modern times, which you can also enjoy with us in the best quality:
The roots of classical music lie in the Middle Ages, a time when music was mainly created in a church context. Gregorian chant, a monophonic liturgical chant, characterised this era. These works were written down for the first time, marking the beginning of the development of musical notation.
The Renaissance marked the beginning of a period of cultural awakening and a return to ancient art. This is also reflected in music, which developed towards polyphonic and harmonic compositions.
Renaissance music laid the foundations for the further development of harmony and counterpoint, which would later characterise the Baroque period.
The Baroque was an era of splendour and expression. A variety of new musical forms such as opera and the concerto grosso emerged here. The music of this period was characterised by emotional depth and a rich sound.
Baroque music fascinated with its ornamental and expressive design. Works such as Bach's ‘Brandenburg Concertos’ or Handel's ‘Messiah’ are timeless masterpieces. However, Vivaldi's ‘Four Seasons’ is probably the best known.
The classical period marks a return to clarity, balance and formal rigour. Vienna became the centre of this musical heyday, which is why it is also referred to as Viennese Classicism.
This period produced some of the most famous works in music history, including Mozart's operas such as ‘Don Giovanni’ and Beethoven's symphonies, for example the world-famous ‘Symphony No. 9’.
Romanticism was an era of emotion and individuality. The music of this period was characterised by passion and a longing for the unknown. Composers searched for new ways to tell feelings and stories through their works.
In the Romantic period, virtuosity on instruments such as the piano or violin reached its peak, while Wagner created a new dimension in the music theatre landscape with his operas such as ‘Lohengrin’.
Modernism brought forth a variety of new styles and experimental approaches. Modernist composers deliberately broke with the traditional rules of music to create innovative sounds.
This era is characterised by the diversity of styles and approaches. Works such as Stravinsky's ‘Le Sacre du Printemps’ or Schönberg's ‘Pierrot Lunaire’ revolutionised music and posed new challenges for listeners and performers.
STAGE+ gives you the opportunity to discover the masterpieces of all eras of classical music. Enjoy exclusive live streams, high-quality videos available at any time and a comprehensive archive of the best recordings and interpretations. We offer top quality recordings of:
Be inspired by the timeless beauty of classical music and experience it on our platform, which stands for the highest quality and exclusivity.
