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  • Emmett Ankunding
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Meaning of Period in Music

In music, the term "period" refers to a specific type of recurrence in small-scale formal structure. It is used to describe a unit of melodic organization made up of two balanced phrases in succession. The first phrase, called the antecedent, comes to a point of partial completeness, while the second phrase, called the consequent, concludes with a sense of greater completeness ).

A period consists of at least two phrases, with the final phrase ending in a more conclusive cadence than the first phrase. The length of a phrase can vary but is typically 2, 4, or 8 measures in moderate tempo, and it can be 16 measures in very fast tempos. A period can also be part of a larger structure, such as a double period, which consists of two periods with a stronger cadence at the end of the second period.

The concept of a musical period has its origins in comparisons between music structure and rhetoric, dating back at least to the 16th century. It is a way to create symmetry, recurrence, and closure within a musical composition ).

Characteristics of a Period in Music

A period in music is characterized by the following:

1. **Two Balanced Phrases**: A period consists of two phrases, the antecedent and the consequent, which are balanced in structure and often share similar melodic or rhythmic motifs ).2. **Antecedent and Consequent**: The antecedent phrase sets up a musical idea or theme, while the consequent phrase provides a response or resolution to the antecedent. The consequent phrase often mirrors or echoes the melodic or rhythmic motifs of the antecedent.3. **Cadences**: The final phrase of a period typically ends with a more conclusive cadence, creating a sense of closure and resolution. This cadence is often referred to as an authentic cadence, which ends on the tonic chord. In contrast, the first phrase may end with an inconclusive cadence, such as a deceptive cadence or a half cadence.4. **Phrase Length**: The length of a phrase in a period can vary but is typically 2, 4, or 8 measures in moderate tempo. In faster tempos, a phrase can be 16 measures long. The length of the phrases contributes to the overall structure and balance of the period.

Examples of Periods in Music

Periods can be found in various musical genres and time periods. For example, in Western art music, the Classical period (1750-1820) is known for its use of periods in compositions. The Classical period expanded upon the Baroque period and introduced influential song forms like the sonata. Composers such as Mozart, Haydn, and Beethoven utilized periods in their compositions to create balanced and structured musical phrases.

In addition to the Classical period, the concept of a period can be observed in earlier musical periods such as the Baroque period (1600-1750). The Baroque period saw the creation of music that emphasized ornamentation and expression. Composers like Bach and Handel incorporated periods into their compositions, creating balanced and structured phrases.

Conclusion

In music, a period refers to a specific type of recurrence in small-scale formal structure. It consists of two balanced phrases, the antecedent and the consequent, with the final phrase ending in a more conclusive cadence. The concept of a period has been used in various musical periods and genres, including the Classical and Baroque periods. It provides a framework for creating balanced and structured musical phrases within a composition )

1. A complete musical thought, concluded by a cadence, having two phrases, each usually two to eight measures in length, called the antecedent and the consequent. 

2. A time frame that encompasses a unique set of performance practices and styles. The main periods in Western music include Early Music (Pre-History to 600 CE); Medieval Music (Early Middle Ages - 600 to 1100 CE & Late Middle Ages - 1100 to 1450 CE); Renaissance (1450 to 1600 CE); Baroque (1600 to 1750 CE); Classical (1750 to 1825 CE); Romantic (1820 to 1900 CE); and Twentieth Century Music.

3. The performance of a composition in the style, and often performed on authentic instruments, that are historically accurate to the time in history in which the composition was written.

Popular questions related to period

Phrase – a musical sentence or complete thought that ends with a cadence. Period – a logical grouping of phrases that give an impression of closure (Expository function).

What are the different periods of classical music?

  • Early Music – Till 1400.
  • Renaissance – 1400-1600.
  • Baroque – 1600-1750.
  • Classical – 1750-1830.
  • Romantic – 1830-1900.
  • 20th Century – 1900-2000.
  • Modern – 2000-present.

Music historians divide the Western classical music repertory into various eras based on what style was most popular as taste changed. These eras and styles include Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Modernist, and Postmodernist.

The compound period (also called the 16-bar period because its typical form is 16 bars long), is made of two themes instead of two phrases. Just as in a regular period, the first theme ends in a weak cadence (most often HC) and the second theme ends in a strong(er) cadence (most often PAC).

The Classical period itself lasted from approximately 1775 to 1825. The name classical is applied to the period because in art and literature, there was keen interest in, admiration for, and emulation of the classical artistic and literary heritage of Greece and Rome.

Answer and Explanation: There have been many periods of music throughout history. In the genre of classical music, three major periods that span together from the 1600s to the 1900s are (1) the Baroque period (1600–1750), (2) the Classical period (1750–1820), and (3) the Romantic period (1820–1900).

The first fully acknowledged era in classical music was the Renaissance period, beginning in around 1400. There was, however, all sorts of music before that, much of it laying the foundations for the composers who were to come – and this all is what we refer to today as the Early period.

Music historians often enshrine the 1960s as the best decade for popular music, because it's when rock became a countercultural movement led by giants like Bob Dylan, The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.

Really simply put, there are four periods in the history of Western classical music: baroque, classical, romantic, and 20th century.

1930s The Sound of Music, which takes place during the late 1930s, opens on a sweeping view of the Austrian Alps and a young woman, Maria (played by Julie Andrews), singing. When she hears church bells, she hurries back to the abbey, where she is a postulant, but she arrives too late for the church service.

Compounding periods are the time intervals between when interest is added to the account. Interest can be compounded annually, semi-annually, quarterly, monthly, daily, continuously, or on any other basis.

The Classical period itself lasted from approximately 1775 to 1825. The name classical is applied to the period because in art and literature, there was keen interest in, admiration for, and emulation of the classical artistic and literary heritage of Greece and Rome.

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