Renaissance and Baroque Periods : During the Renaissance and Baroque periods, music became increasingly complex and sophisticated. Composers such as Bach, Handel, and Vivaldi wrote music for a variety of instruments and ensembles. Music was also used in opera and ballet, two new forms of entertainment that emerged during this time.
Classical Period: The Classical period of music began in the mid-18th century and lasted until the early 19th century. During this time, composers such as Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven wrote music that was characterized by balance, clarity, and elegance. Classical music was performed in concert halls and salons, and it was also used in opera and ballet.
Romantic Period: The Romantic period of music began in the early 19th century and lasted until the late 19th century. During this time, composers such as Chopin, Liszt, and Tchaikovsky wrote music that was more expressive and emotional than Classical music. Romantic music was often inspired by literature, art, and nature.
20th and 21st Centuries: Music in the 20th and 21st centuries has been characterized by a great deal of diversity and innovation. Composers have experimented with new sounds, rhythms, and instruments. Popular music genres such as jazz, rock, and hip-hop have emerged. Music continues to play an important role in our society today, and it is used in a variety of ways, including entertainment, education, and social change."
I remember reading a book with my wife titled Flame in My Hear by David Adam, which told the story of the Bairds of Ireland, who would travel throughout the land with their harp and visit each of the villages and keeps. They would be greeted and fed by the chieftain and his entourage, and then, as the evening gloaming came upon them, he would tune up his harp and begin to tell the stories of their history. He would tell of exploration, battles, genealogies; all the things that were important to keep the history of the clan alive.
There were few books at that time, and most of the people were illiterate, so it was through this harp and story that history was kept alive. You could say that the music was the library. It is often said that if we forget our history, we are doomed to repeat it.
My wife, Shirley, is a storyteller, and I play the harp, so we started traveling around the country doing the same thing. 18 years later, we are still on the road. There is something magical when the words of a story are combined with the music of the harp.
Here is a sample:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jFhFwtw67r4&t=304s
These troubadour musicians became the grassroots of what was to become what we now call Folk Music. Wikipedia defines it as, “music transmitted orally, music with unknown composers, music that is played on traditional instruments, music about cultural or national identity, music that changes between generations (folk process), music associated with a people's folklore, or music performed by custom over a long period of time.”
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Folk_music
Through the centuries of history, Folk Music would become one of the important ingredients of the fabric of societies and cultures. This music would be passed on from father to son, mother to daughter, and much of it escaped being ever written down or brought to sheet music form. Sadly even, much of it was lost.
Music has had an impact throughout the history of the world and its civilizations. In earlier times, a simple flute made of reeds was used to lure a person secretly admired. The Native American flute still has a beautiful haunting sound that calls to the heart. Maybe that sounds simple, but those unions formed through that attraction would become the progeny of generations to come that would populate the earth.
Music was also an important element in the marches of war. Whether it be the fife and drum, or the bagpipe and bodhran, they were always present to keep the troops ordered and ready for the battle fray. The music helped to unify and inspire. It also formed the catalyst for the demonstrations against many of those same wars, especially as the music counter-revolution developed its style and drawing power.
The most interesting use of music that I am most excited about is the use of music and sound as a healing mode. I have written much about this in previous articles, but how this affects history has yet to be fully appreciated. I sense that it will leave a lasting mark on our history as we better understand how to use it and apply it to many of the diseases and ills that are taking a great toll on our health, peace, and productivity.
In the end, think about what life would be like without music. It is clear to see that music has been integral to practically every phase of our lives, both today and in our past. Music is not complex and need not have all the advanced instrumentation that we have available today with all the electronics. A simple tune hummed by a mother to help put her child to sleep can be one of the most profound genres we will ever see.
Music relays the sound of feelings and feelings are what the tomes of history are written from.