CLASSICAL
Classical Music is usually broken down by era.
476 - 1400 is the Middle Ages. Music was more about religion then for mass enjoyment. You would hear simple Gregorian Chants and the major composer for this era was Machaut.
1400 - 1600 is the Renaissance period. Music was polyphonic sacred music with all parts being important. Major Composers at this time were Josquin des Pe'rez, Palestrina and Dufay.
1600 - 1750 is the Baroque period. This time period had a more ornate quality with multiple parts. Music was created for religious reasons as well as for the masses. The major composers were Bach, Handel, Monteverdi and Vivaldi.
1750 - 1820 is the Classical period. Melodies were lyrical and had chords to accompany them. Music was created more for the masses then religion as larger symphonies and choirs were used. The major composers were Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven.
1820 - 1900 is the Romantic period. Melodies were rich and emotional. Music was created for the people. Symphonies and choirs were used with the major composers of the day being Tchaikovsky, Verdi, Wagner, Chopin, Brahms, Mendelssohn, Dvorak.
1900 - 2000 is called the Twentieth Century period. Music is primarily for the mass population. The major composers are Debussy, Stravinsky, Copland, Schoenberg, Ives.
Each period has its own unique musical characteristics. From the Medieval music being simple up to the Twentiety Century with more complex characteristics. This break down by era isn't perfect as some composers bridge eras.
For example, Beethoven could be considered Classical or Romantic. Debussy could also be considered Romantic or Twentieth Century with his Impressionistic pieces.
