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Classical Music Complete Guide

Classical music has a 400-year history and is the foundation of all music. Learn about the characteristics of each era, major composers, and masterpieces.

Timeline of Classical Music Eras

1600-1750

Key Characteristics

Major Composers

J.S. Bach G.F. Handel Antonio Vivaldi Henry Purcell

Representative Masterpieces

Brandenburg Concertos - Bach The Four Seasons - Vivaldi Messiah - Handel

1750-1820

Key Characteristics

Major Composers

W.A. Mozart Joseph Haydn Ludwig van Beethoven (early)

Representative Masterpieces

Symphony No. 40 - Mozart The Creation - Haydn Piano Sonata No. 14 "Moonlight" - Beethoven

1820-1910

Key Characteristics

Major Composers

Ludwig van Beethoven (late) Frédéric Chopin Franz Liszt Johannes Brahms P.I. Tchaikovsky Gustav Mahler

Representative Masterpieces

Symphony No. 9 - Beethoven Nocturnes - Chopin Swan Lake - Tchaikovsky

Featured Composers

Johann Sebastian Bach

1685-1750

Goldberg Variations Mass in B minor Well-Tempered Clavier

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

1756-1791

The Magic Flute Requiem Piano Concerto No. 21

Ludwig van Beethoven

1770-1827

Symphony No. 5 Symphony No. 9 Für Elise

Frédéric Chopin

1810-1849

Nocturnes Ballades Polonaises

Listening Recommendations by Level

Vivaldi - The Four Seasons Mozart - Eine kleine Nachtmusik Beethoven - Für Elise Pachelbel - Canon in D

Beethoven - Symphony No. 5 Mozart - Symphony No. 40 Tchaikovsky - 1812 Overture Dvořák - New World Symphony

Bach - Mass in B minor Mahler - Symphony No. 2 "Resurrection" Beethoven - Symphony No. 9 Stravinsky - The Rite of Spring

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