What are the main features of classical, baroque, romantic and 20th century music?
Classical music: things like uncomplicated harmony, well balanced phrases, steady tempo and use of arpeggios and broken chords. Baroque – use of figured bass, like classical music, steady tempo, but no use of dynamics (pianos weren’t invented at the time) and there was no ablility to play loud or soft. Romantic music: large range of dynamics, use of pedals (obviously lots of music written for piano during this period), expressive and use of chords. Modern/20th Century music: unusal key signtaures and use of jazz key signatures such as 5/4 and 7/4, chromatic notes/scales used widely and very fluid tempo. Good luck with the exam – take it you’re not doing ABRSM if you need to know this?
