1.

Baroque
Vivaldi, Bach
Mechanical
Little change in dynamics
Terraced dynamics – moves to different volumes suddenly
Harpsichord

2. Western Classical 1750-1865

Haydn, Beethoven

Balance

Memorable melodies

Perfect cadences

Alberti bass

3. Romantic

Rachmaninov, Chopin, Schumann

Emphasis on emotions and lyricism

Rich harmonies and chords

Big orchestras or solo piano

Virtuosic – when it’s technically very difficult to play

Variety of dynamics

Rubato – when you play around with the tempo

4. Western Classical Since 1910

No clear pulse or time signature

Dissonance

Lack of clear key signature

Big use of percussion – xylophones, gongs

Unusual combinations of instruments

5. Reggae
2 and 4 – skank rhythm

Rock organ

Use of bongos, congas and percussion

Bass guitar is very loud