When did the classical period start and end?
The Classical period of music was an era that lasted from approximately 1730 to 1820, although variations on it extended well into the middle of the nineteenth century.
The Classical period itself lasted from approximately 1775 to 1825. The name classical is applied to the period because in art and literature, there was keen interest in, admiration for, and emulation of the classical artistic and literary heritage of Greece and Rome.
The Classical era (1750–1830)
But the Classical (big C) era specifically refers to music composed between 1750 and 1830. Classical era music is sometimes even referred to as 'Viennese Classicism'. The city was a bustling hub of musical activity at the time, home to Gluck, Haydn, Salieri, Mozart, Beethoven and Schubert.
The classical period conventionally ends at the death of Alexander in 323 BC and the fragmentation of his empire, which was at this time divided among the Diadochi.
However, the Classical Era is often cited as the latter half of the eighteenth century. At its longest, the Classical Era ran just seventy to eighty years, ending no later than 1820. Despite the Classical Era's short run, its impact on instrumental music has been enormous.
The Enlightenment, also known as the Age of Reason, was an intellectual and cultural movement in the eighteenth century that emphasized reason over superstition and science over blind faith.
- Baroque.
- Classical.
- Romantic.
- Contemporary.
It is important to note that the classical period ended before Beethoven died. This is because Beethoven was the one who ended it! At the end of his life, Beethoven's music was so new that it had to be called something completely different (see the Romantic page). Joseph Haydn (1732–1809).
In Greek mythology, Mt. Olympos was the home of the greatest of the Greek gods and goddesses. The ancient Olympic Games began in the year 776 BC, when Koroibos, a cook from the nearby city of Elis, won the stadion race, a foot race 600 feet long. The stadion track at Olympia is shown here.
- Early Music – Till 1400.
- Renaissance – 1400-1600.
- Baroque – 1600-1750.
- Classical – 1750-1830.
- Romantic – 1830-1900.
- 20th Century – 1900-2000.
- Modern – 2000-present.
