18th-century music

Eighteenth-century music, spanning the Baroque and Classical periods, features intricate ornamentation, balanced harmony, and clear melodies. Baroque music (1600–1750) emphasized complexity, often with elaborate counterpoint and expressive ornamentation, exemplified by composers like Bach. The Classical era (1730–1820) favored clarity, symmetry, and form, with composers such as Mozart and Haydn creating elegant melodies and structured sonatas. This period saw the rise of orchestras and the development of genres like symphonies, operas, and sonatas, shaping modern Western musical standards. Overall, 18th-century music marked a shift toward greater expressiveness, balance, and formal design.