Early

Early Music is a term used to refer to a variety of Western musical styles that date from the Middle Ages through the Baroque period (up to 1750). It encompasses a wide range of styles from liturgical chant, Medieval and Renaissance polyphony, and Baroque music. Early Music is characterized by its focus on historically-informed performance practice and its emphasis on improvisation and ornamentation. Early Music also includes genres such as Gregorian chant, Medieval and Renaissance motets, and cantus firmus masses. This musical style has a long history, dating back to the first use of musical notation in the Middle Ages. It has been studied and performed for centuries, and continues to be an important part of classical music today.