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Preface
This history of Western art music is organized into parts corresponding to each major period of its development, from the Middle Ages to the present day. Each part has accompanying encyclopedias of composers from the period in chronological order. Click on names of composers in bold text to open their entry in the encyclopedias. The encyclopedias may also be accessed via the table of contents for each part and the navigation menu at the top of each page (e.g. Educational Material> A History of Western Art Music> Part One> Composers of the Medieval Era). Each encyclopedia includes a curated Spotify playlists for each composer as well a playlist of selected works from a portion of the composers. In addition to the chapter-specific playlists, I have also created the playlist below that spans the entire history of Western art music, from the medieval era to the present day. This broader playlist can serve either as an introduction for newcomers or simply as a source of listening enjoyment for those already familiar with the tradition. I recommend using shuffle mode to experience a varied mix of pieces from different eras.
Western art music—often referred to as classical music—encompasses the cultivated musical traditions of the Western world, distinct from both its popular and folk counterparts. While the term “classical music” is sometimes used more broadly, in this context it refers specifically to a lineage of notated, structured musical practice that has developed over many centuries in Europe and, later, in other parts of the world influenced by European culture.
This tradition is typically associated with a high degree of formal complexity, particularly in its use of harmony, counterpoint, and large-scale structural forms. From its earliest roots in the medieval period, Western art music has been primarily a written tradition, relying on a sophisticated notational system that allowed composers to transmit increasingly intricate ideas across time and geography. This written legacy has given rise not only to a vast and diverse body of repertoire, but also to an extensive body of scholarship in theory, criticism, history, and philosophy.
More than a mere collection of works, Western art music is a reflection of the cultural, intellectual, and spiritual currents that have shaped Western civilization. Its evolution is deeply tied to the lives and ideas of individual composers, whose innovations and ideals have guided its development across eras. From the sacred chant of the early Middle Ages to the expressive innovations of the 20th century and beyond, this tradition continues to inspire, challenge, and enrich the way we understand music—and ourselves.