Classical music is a broad term that covers over 700 years of history and many styles of music. This European musical tradition includes chamber music, Gregorian chant, symphony, choral music and opera. Classical music falls into six periods: Medieval (before 1400), Renaissance (1400-1600), Baroque (1600-1750), Classical (1750-1820), Romantic (1820-1900), and 20th Century (after 1900). Many of the forms of Classical music were standardized in the common practice period (1550 to 1900), including the concerto, symphony, and sonata.
Composer Biographies
Composer Database: Links to official composer bio databases and to sites about individual composers.
Classical Composers: Overviews of classical composers.
Conductor Biographies
Conductor Profiles: Biographies of contemporary conductors by letter.
Conductors: Biographies of great classical conductors.
Classical Music Education
Online Music Tutorials: Online tutorial on music appreciation features Middle Ages, Baroque, Classical, Renaissance, Romantic and Contemporary music.
Essentials of Music: Introduction to music and composers from every period with audio excerpts and a glossary.
Eras
Middle Ages
Latin Music: Guide to music and chant written in Latin during the Middle Ages and Renaissance.
Early Music FAQtrh: Resources to Medieval and Renaissance music with an interactive map of performances.
Renaissance
Music in the Renaissance: Overview, visuals, and thematic essays.
Renaissance Music: Comprehensive list of links on Renaissance music topics.
Baroque
Baroque Learning Center: Information on Baroque instruments and composers.
Baroque Era: Overview of Baroque music and its instruments.
Classical
Information on the Classical Period: Historical and biographical overview of the period.
Classical, Opera, and Choral: Guides and links to topics on classical, opera, and choral music as well as information on composers.
The Classical Music Navigator: Information on composers: their notable works, their groupings by geographical location and forms and styles; glossary of relevant terms.
Romantic
Romantic Music: Overview of the Romantic Period. Gives definitions of the characteristics of Romantic music.
20th Century
Introduction to 20th Century Music: Overview of 20th century music.
20th Century Music: Information on contemporary music and composers.
Types of Music
Orchestral
History of the Symphony Orchestra: Information on the development of the symphony orchestra. Includes a guide to symphony orchestra instruments.
Opera
Opera Composers: Biographies of opera composers.
Opera: Links to information on opera, opera companies, and theater.
Choral
The Virtual Choral Library: Database of choral music from around the world.
Religious Music
CANTUS: Database for Latin Ecclesiastical Chant.
Religious Music Links: Links to religious music resources, includes gospel, hymns, harp, and sacred classical music.
Musical Instruments
Piano
Information for Pianists: List of links about composers as well as resources for musicians and teachers.
The Piano: Information on types of pianos and parts of the piano.
Violin
The Violin: Information about the violin and its construction.
Viola
The Viola: Links for violists, including resources, viola societies, and viola music.
Flute
Flute History: Timelines, resources, and musical periods.
Horns
Brass Instruments: Information on and history of brass instruments.
French horn
Horn Studio: Links to horn resources, horn humor, and playing tips.
Bass
Double Bass Guide: About the instrument. Also includes news and links to blogs and websites about the double bass.
Tuba
The Tuba: Diagrams and information about the Euphonium and Wagner tubas. Also includes history of the tuba and tuba fingering information.
Oboe
The Oboe: About the instrument and its history.
International Double Reed Society: Links to resources and information on competitions and conferences.
Trumpet
The Coronet Compendium: The history of the 19th century coronet.
The Trumpet Player Online: News and information, including trumpet history and information on great trumpet players.
Other
Guide to Medieval and Renaissance Instruments: Information on instruments such as the bladder pipe, dulcimer, organetto, shofar, and transverse flute.
Classical Music Enthusiast Sites
Talk Classical: Classical music forums for discussions about news, events, opera, and classical music.
MusicWeb: Classical CD reviews, concert and opera reviews.