Music

 
Music is a universal language.  Notes written on lines and spaces can be read and played by anyone throughout the world.  Classical, folk, and hymns, to name a few, are types of music we are familiar with.  Germany, though, was a leader in classical music. 

Famous composers from Germany include Mozart, Bach, Handel, Haydn, Beethoven, and Schubert.  Bach and Handel were part of the Baroque era (1600-1750).  Begin quote, “During the Baroque period, the foundations were laid for the following 300 or so years of musical expression: the idea of the modern orchestra was born, along with opera.”  

The classical era (1750-1830) followed with known composers of Mozart and Haydn.  Begin quote, “it was the Classical period which saw the introduction of a form which has dominated instrumental composition to the present day: sonata form.”  It is also said that the classical era is characterized by its structural clarity.

Beethoven came on the scene at the end of the eighteenth century and made way for the romantic era (1830-1860), which Schubert was also a part of.  Begin quote, “The emotional range of music during this period was considerably widened, as was its harmonic vocabulary and the range and number of instruments which might be called upon to play it.” 

I rarely listen to classical music, but as my children are learning to play piano and are playing music composed from the artists named above, I find myself enjoying the sound and see myself, one day, listening to classical music often.  In fact, I may even find the ambition to play it myself!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Music_of_Germany

http://www.germany.co.za/german_music.html
http://www.naxos.com/education/brief_history.asp