From Baroque to Classical to Romantic to Modern styles, music has much in common with art. Listen to the excerpts provided below and see how they compare to the corresponding example of art or architecture!
Baroque Period: 1600 - 1750
The Baroque style used contrast, movement, exuberant detail, deep color, grandeur and surprise to achieve a sense of awe. The photograph here shows The Entry of Saint Ignace into Paradise by Andrea Pozzo in the Church of Saint Ignatius in Rome. Similar to the highly ornamented style of baroque art and architecture, J.S. Bach wrote extremely detailed and ornamented music. Click here to listen to a track from the Maestro Classics Bach and the Pipe Organ CD. Click here to visit the Bach and the Pipe Organ page on our website
Classical Period: 1750 - 1820
During the Classical Period, (or Neo-Classical as it is called in art), composers, painters, sculptors and architects were finding inspiration from Ancient Greece and Rome. The sculpture here is a bust carved by Bertel Thorvaldsen, that is reminiscent of sculptures made during the 1st-2nd centuries. Unfortunately, Maestro Classics does not have any Classical Period albums. Maybe that will change one day. Click here below to listen to W.A. Mozart's Symphony #40 in G Minor.
Romantic Period: 1810 - 1910
Romanticism was characterized by its emphasis on emotion and individualism as well as glorification of the past and nature. The painting here is called Wanderer above the Sea of Fog by the German Romantic artist Caspar David Friedrich. Camille Saint Saens is a Romantic composer. You can hear the emotional elements and complex harmonies in his music. Click here to listen to a track from the Maestro Classics Carnival of the Animals CD. Click here to visit the Carnival of the Animals page on our website.
Modern Period: 1910-2000
Modernism reflected a departure from traditional forms of art, religion, philosophy, social organization, and daily life which modernist artists felt had become outdated in the new environments of an emerging industrialized world. The painting here is called The Old Guitarist and was painted by Pablo Picasso. Igor Stravinsky is an example of a modernist composer. His music breaks away from tonal centers and uses dissonance and unique rhythms. Click here to listen to a track from the Maestro Classics The Soldier's Tale CD. Click here to visit the The Soldier's Tale page on our website.