Scottish Country Dance of the Day

Classical music has evolved through distinct periods, each characterized by unique styles, forms, and innovations. Beginning with the Baroque period (1600–1750), music was heavily ornamented and complex, reflecting the grandeur and formality of the time. Composers like Johann Sebastian Bach and George Frideric Handel created intricate compositions that often centered on counterpoint, a technique where multiple independent melodies interweave. The harpsichord was a dominant instrument, and the music often followed strict structures, such as the fugue or concerto grosso, giving Baroque music its highly structured, ornate quality.

Following the Baroque, the Classical period (1750–1820) brought a shift towards simplicity and clarity. Composers like Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Ludwig van Beethoven embraced balance, symmetry, and clear melodic lines, often utilizing the piano, which had replaced the harpsichord. This period is known for its formal structures, such as the sonata and symphony, which became the foundation for much of Western classical music. Unlike the highly decorative style of the Baroque, Classical music favored elegant, lyrical melodies and dynamic contrasts, reflecting the ideals of the Enlightenment and the growing emphasis on reason and individual expression.

The Romantic period (1820–1900) expanded on the emotional expressiveness hinted at in the late works of Beethoven. Composers like Frédéric Chopin, Richard Wagner, and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky pushed the boundaries of form, using music as a means of personal expression. Romantic music is characterized by its dramatic use of dynamics, bold harmonies, and a heightened focus on emotion and storytelling. Orchestras grew larger, and composers wrote for more varied and colorful instrumentations, seeking to evoke vivid imagery and profound emotional experiences.

In the 20th century, the Modern period (1900–present) brought a radical departure from tradition, with composers like Igor Stravinsky, Arnold Schoenberg, and Claude Debussy experimenting with new tonalities, rhythms, and forms. The dissolution of traditional harmony led to atonality and the twelve-tone system, while others, like Debussy, explored impressionism in music, creating lush, atmospheric pieces that evoked mood rather than following strict form. Throughout this period, classical music absorbed influences from jazz, folk, and world music, leading to a rich diversity of styles that reflected the changing artistic and cultural landscape of the 20th century and beyond.

Click the photo of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra to learn more about a chance to experience some of this great music if you're close to their home base in Edinburgh.