Classical music
Where can I find information about the eras of classical music?
(Years 11-13)
Image: Guitar, piano and flute by [Unknown] on pxhere.
Entry last updated: 16/01/25
Introduction
Classical music has developed and changed over hundreds of years. Music from each of the four main eras has a distinct sound as composers experimented with existing musical forms and developed new ones. They were also influenced by the time in which they lived and the changing world around them.
List of musical eras
Below is a list of the four main eras or periods of classical music.
Baroque Period (1600 to 1750)
Classical Period (1750 to 1827)
Romantic Period (1827 to 1900)
20th century (1900 onwards)
Epic resources
EPIC is a collection of online resources that have been put together especially for New Zealand school students. The resources below have lots of information about the eras of classical music.
Britannica School has many articles about classical music.
To find an article about the different musical eras select the middle level.
Enter 'classical music eras' into the search box to read classical music.
Make sure you explore the links to the Primary sources, Images & Videos, and Related Resources on the page.
You can choose another level from Articles Reading Level found at the top of the page.
This EPIC site has thousands of articles about the history and culture of music.
Choose Topic from the tab at the top of the page.
Then select Musicology and Music History to read articles about the different eras of music.
You can refine your search by selecting an Era from the list on the left hand side of the page.
Select update to find an alphabetical list of articles, timelines, interviews and indexes.
Tips: To get to the EPIC databases you will need a password from your school librarian first. Or you can log on to AnyQuestions between 1 and 6 pm Monday to Friday, and one of the librarians will help you online. Some EPIC databases may also be available through your public library.
General websites
There are many good websites about the different eras of classical music. Here are some websites that, although aimed at primary levels, have reliable and accurate information.
This is a site for students that is managed by the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. It has sound bites of famous composers.
Find Listen and watch.
Select Composers from the drop down menu.
You will find composers are grouped together by the time period in which they lived.
Choose the composer whose music you want to listen to.
Each article tells you a little about the composer you have chosen. At the bottom of the page is an audio clip of a selection of that composer's work.
Tips: The site is focused on local visitors, so often mentions DSO Kids Club and local DSO performances.
BBC Bitesize is a website set up to help British students with school work and exam revision. It has information about music and different music eras.
Use the Search Bitesize box to search for 'musical period'.
Look through the results for Musical periods and styles.
Under Pages, choose an era.
Or look to the bottom of the page for More guides on this topic for more information about music.
New Zealand sites
European classical music was introduced into New Zealand by the British settlers. This inspired local composers like Alfred Hill and Douglas Lilburn who gained fame nationally and internationally.
Te Ara: The Encyclopedia of New Zealand
This site is owned by the Ministry of Culture and Heritage and answers questions about the people, environment, history, culture, and society of New Zealand. Information is well-researched and reliable.
Select Creative and Intellectual Life from the options at the bottom of the page.
The section on Music explores different types of music in New Zealand.
Choose composers to read about classical composers in New Zealand.
Tips: We like sites that are from government or other reputable organisations, because we can trust the information. You can sometimes tell these sites by their web address – they might have .gov or .edu in their address – or by looking at their About us or Contact pages.
Radio New Zealand is our country's public radio service. RNZ concert promotes New Zealand music and composition. It also has live broadcasts of concerts and recitals.
Enter 'classical music' into the search box.
Resound is a programme that has a selection of important New Zealand classical music that you can listen to.
Or, go to the tab called Topics to find a link to Music. Here you will find a link to RNZ Concert which promotes New Zealand music, compositions, concerts and recitals.
Also explore Collections from the section on Topics to listen concert recordings like the Adam Chamber Music festival or the story of music from the History through the Piano.
Tips: Some websites have .au, .nz, .uk or other codes in their url. This can tell you which country this website comes from eg .au is from Australia or .nz is from New Zealand. You can check the About Us link on the website for more information.
Books
There have been many books written about classical music - check out your local public or school library to see what they have.
The classical music book by DK Publishing Staff.
Everything you ever wanted to know about classical music but were too afraid to ask by Darren Henley and Sam Jackson.
A young person's guide to music by Neil Ardley, Poul Ruders, David Ashby, and BBC Symphony Orchestra.
Language of the spirit : an introduction to classical music by Jan Swafford.
SCIS no: 1980323
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