A beginner's guide to classical music
Every year, there’s a pilgrimage to the Royal Albert Hall in London for one of the world’s most renowned classical music festivals: the BBC Proms. This year's edition is in full swing, but with so many eras and styles, classical music can feel like a vast and intimidating landscape. Where does one begin?
As an ode to our Finery collection, here's a quick guide to some of the major periods in Western classical music, including a couple of famous composers from each to get you started.
Why not try listening to a few the next time you get ready for a special occasion?
Classical Western music periods Medieval (5th–15th centuries)
Step back in time to echoing cathedrals filled with the ethereal beauty of Gregorian chants, sung by monastic choirs. This era focused on sacred music, with simple yet powerful melodies that laid the foundation for Western classical music. Composers to listen to: Hildegard von Bingen—known for her visionary chants. Guillaume de Machaut—a pioneer of polyphony, a style where multiple melodies are sung together.
Renaissance (14th–16th centuries)
This era ushered in a more sophisticated sound. Think beautiful vocal music, both sacred and secular, with the beginnings of instrumental ensembles taking centre stage. In the Renaissance period, strolling musicians would serenade you under a starlit sky or perform lively dance music on lutes and recorders. Composers to listen to: Giovanni Palestrina—renowned for his sacred choral music. Thomas Morley—a master of English madrigals, lively secular songs.
Baroque (17th–18th centuries)
Let the drama begin! Baroque music is all about grandeur, intricate melodies, and powerful emotions. Imagine soaring violin concertos and the majestic sounds of a full orchestra filling a grand concert hall. Composers to listen to: Johann Sebastian Bach—a musical giant, known for his complex and beautiful compositions. Antonio Vivaldi—the "Red Priest," famous for his vibrant violin concertos, including the ever-popular "Four Seasons".
Classical (18th–19th centuries)
This era brought a sense of balance and clarity. Think elegant piano sonatas, graceful symphonies by Mozart and Haydn, and a focus on melody that's bound to linger in your mind. Composers to listen to: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart—a child prodigy who became a musical legend, known for his operas and symphonies. Joseph Haydn—the "Father of the Symphony," whose playful and inventive compositions helped shape the genre.
Romantic (19th century)
Passion takes centre stage here. Romantic composers poured their hearts and souls into their music, creating dramatic and sweeping works that evoke strong emotions. Call to mind the powerful crescendos of Tchaikovsky or the heart-wrenching melodies of Chopin. Composers to listen to: Frédéric Chopin—the "poet of the piano," known for his expressive and technically challenging piano pieces. Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, whose dramatic symphonies and ballets like "Swan Lake" are beloved worldwide.
20th century and beyond
The 20th century saw classical music break free from tradition. Think bold experimentation, new sounds and a reflection of the ever-changing world. You might hear jazzy rhythms, atonal harmonies, and electronic or minimalist compositions that challenge and surprise.
Composers to listen to:
Claude Debussy—a pioneer of Impressionism in music, known for his evocative and atmospheric pieces. Igor Stravinsky, whose groundbreaking ballet "The Rite of Spring" caused a riot at its premiere in 1913.
The beauty of classical music lies in its ability to transport us across time and evoke a vast array of emotions. Whether you find yourself drawn to the ethereal beauty of Medieval chants or the drama of the Baroque, there's a world of discovery waiting to be explored.
So, put on your headphones and light some candles. Remember, there's no right or wrong way to experience classical music. Let the music speak to you, explore different pieces and discover what resonates.