Masterpieces of Western Music: Medieval to Romantic Eras

Western Music Masterpieces: Periods and Characteristics

Medieval Music (c. 476 – 1400)

Puer natus nobis

• Author: Anonymous
• Features: Song of the Church, Latin text, free themes, free rhythm, modal system, monodic, a cappella.

Ondas do mar de Vigo

• Author: Martin Codax
• Time: 13th Century (S. XIII), Troubadour music
• Features: Secular music written in Galician-Portuguese, monody with instrumental accompaniment, rhythmic structure, non-religious themes, modal system.

Cantigas de Santa Maria

• Author: Alfonso X the Wise
• Time: 13th Century (S. XIII)
• Features: Secular music written in Galician-Portuguese, monody with instrumental accompaniment, rhythmic structure, non-religious themes, modal system.

Viderunt Omnes

• Author: Léonin and Pérotin
• Time: 13th Century (S. XIII)
• Features: A Conductus for 3 voices, polyphonic music, written in Latin, church music, a cappella rhythm. It may also be classified as a motet for 3 voices.

Codex Calixtinus

• Author: Anonymous
• Time: 12th Century (S. XII)
• Features: Measured polyphony (2 voices), evolved discantus style.

Renaissance Music (c. 1400 – 1600)

Mass for Pope Marcellus: Kyrie

• Author: Palestrina
• Time: Renaissance
• Features: Written in Latin, 4-voice polyphony, sacred music.

Moro Lasso

• Author: Gesualdo
• Time: Renaissance
• Features: Written in Italian, secular music, madrigals.

All the World's Property

• Author: Juan del Encina
• Time: Renaissance
• Features: Written in Castilian, secular polyphony for 4 voices, villancico (carol), rhythmic structure.

Baroque Music (c. 1600 – 1750)

L'Orfeo

• Author: Claudio Monteverdi
• Time: Baroque
• Features: Opera premiered in 1607, accompanied monody, strophic aria.

Cantata 147

• Author: J.S. Bach
• Time: Baroque
• Features: Written in German.

The Messiah: Hallelujah

• Author: Handel
• Time: Baroque
• Features: Written in English. A major choral work/oratorio.

Classical Music (18th Century)

The Magic Flute: The Queen of the Night

• Author: Mozart
• Time: Classical Era (S. XVIII)
• Features: Released two months before his death, known for Masonic themes, features one of the highest acute notes in operatic history, written in German, includes spoken dialogues.

Don Giovanni

• Author: Mozart
• Time: Classical Era (S. XVIII)
• Features: Features recitatives, sung by the servant of Don Giovanni, consisting of 2 parts.

Romantic Music (19th Century)

"Casta Diva" Aria (from Norma)

• Author: Bellini
• Time: Romanticism (S. XIX)
• Features: Famous aria, often associated with performances by Montserrat Caballé.

La Traviata

• Author: Verdi
• Time: Romanticism (S. XIX)

The Valkyries (from Die Walküre)

• Author: Wagner
• Time: Romanticism (S. XIX)

La Bohème and Tosca

• Author: Puccini
• Time: Romanticism (S. XIX)
• Features: Both operas are frequently performed, often featuring sopranos like Montserrat Caballé.

Pagliacci

• Author: Leoncavallo
• Time: Romanticism (S. XIX)