Early History

Unfortunately, the earliest music to be recorded in history is that from the ancient Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians. This ancient music has been documented on papyrus and thought to be about 4000 years old, dating back to around 1800-2000 B.C. We know that in 4000 B.C., Mesopotamians used advanced instruments such as harps, reed pipes, drums, lyres, and lutes, but like in Prehistoric times, the rhythm used during that time period is unknown because no documentation was ever discovered.

Medieval music was born and lasted from 500–1400 A.D. Much like in the ancient times, it was expensive to obtain the supplies to document the music they created in this era. Therefore, only the wealthy could document their musical scriptures. Because of this, very seldom medieval songs are known. Unison chants, or unison songs were sung and supported by musical instruments. Songs from the church were very popular and music in harmony was common for this era.

The renaissance era soon took over, replacing medieval music from the late 1300's until the early 1600's. Brass instruments became increasingly popular, and individual voices that focused mainly on smoothness were more common than singing in harmony. There were four common genres of music in renaissance times, which included; the mass, the madrigale spirituale, the motet, and the laude.

Baroque music followed from the 1600's to the 1760's, and can be described as more elaborate than renaissance music. Famous composers like Johann Sebastian Bach and George Frideric Handel prevailed during this era. The baroque period created new instrument playing techniques, and put much of their focus on making music more complex. Music notes were also changed to the ones similar to today's.

The classical music period followed baroque music in 1730, and were the times of Mozart and Beethoven. Many classical music songs are still very popular and listened to mainly by those of high class or sophistication. This era of music flourished and became even more passionate from 1815 to 1910. This time period is often referred to as the "romantic era" because of the passion that went into the music. Beethoven's "Eroica" Symphony was written during this period, and is the perfect example of the passion that went into music for stereo sound.