CLASSICAL MUSIC MONTH

August 31, 2026August 2, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 2 Comments

September is classical music month. Classical music differs greatly from today’s standards. However, classical music sets stage for the music we have today.

Classical music has many periods and styles throughout its history. Classical music is actually broken into different smaller periods, each having their own differences. It is interesting to see just how much music has changed over time!

Classical Music Time Periods

(PLEASE NOTE: The dates of the time periods are only estimates since there are no exact dates for when each time period occurred/ began/ended)

Medieval (500ish – 1400) The music of this time was connected to the church. Forms of music from the early part of this period would be Gregorian Chants and Organum.

Some Composers From this Period: Hildegard von Bingen, Guillaume de Machaut

Renaissance (1400/1450 – 1600) The Renaissance era brought many new ideas and gave a little bit more freedom from the church, which allowed for more experimentation with music. The printing press, invented in the 1400’s, also allowed for music to be printed. Instrumental music was developed as well.

Some Composers From this Period: William Byrd, Claudio Monteverdi, Josquin Des Prez

Baroque (1600 – 1750) The music of the Baroque was very ornate. This period also had the creation of the concerto, canata, oratorio, and the sonata. There were advancements with instruments as well.

Some Composers From This Period: Johann Sebastian Bach, Georg Frideric Handel, Antonio Vivaldi

Classical (1750/1775 – 1820) Classical era music was more simple/cleaner than Baroque music, and focused more on the melody. Dynamics (the change in volume) were important. The woodwind section of the orchestra was added during this period.

Some Composers From This Period: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig Van Beethoven*, Franz Joseph Hayden

*Beethoven is considered to be a bridge between the Classical and the Romantic periods

Romantic (1820 – 1910) Romantic pieces are know for being very expressive and emotional. The orchestra saw much growth in this period with the expansion of the woodwind and brass section.

Some Composers From This Period: Frédéric Chopin, Franz Liszt, Richard Wagner, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Johannes Brahms

CELEBRATE

Find some classical music to listen to alone or with friends and family. If there is a concert you can go to, go with a few friends or family. If you want to learn how to play an instrument, then go out and find a place to do so. You can learn from various resources such as books, websites, or find a private tutor in your area. If you’re in school, then consider taking band or joining a music club. There are plenty of ways to celebrate! Use #ClassicalMusicMonth to post on social media.

Hildegard von Bingen: 11,000 Virgins - Chants for the Feast of St. Ursula#ClassicalMusicMonth — Hildegard von Bingen: 11,000 Virgins – Chants for the Feast of St. Ursula

Gregorian Chant for Meditation Chant Music for the Soul#ClassicalMusicMonth — Hildegard von Bingen: 11,000 Virgins – Chants for the Feast of St. Ursula

NATIONAL CHAMBER MUSIC MONTH

April 30, 2026April 5, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 2 Comments

In May of every year, musical ensembles gather before intimate audiences in small concert halls, auditoriums, and even residences to perform a wide range of music.

Historically, chamber music was performed in palace halls or large rooms of homes. Compared to concert music where several of the same instruments are presented, each musician in the ensemble performs with a different musical device from the other musicians.

HISTORY

This May marks the fifth-annual National Chamber Music Month. For each of the last four years, Chamber Music America has powered this nationwide celebration of small ensemble music and the results have been truly inspiring. For more information on National Chamber Music Month visit www.chamber-music.org.

HOW TO OBSERVE

Check out local listings and attend a chamber performance. Use #NationalChamberMusicMonth to share on social media.

Great American Chamber Music#NationalChamberMusicMonth — Great American Chamber Music

Complete String Quartets (Dover Chamber Music Scores)#NationalChamberMusicMonth — Great American Chamber Music

WORLD PIANO DAY

March 27, 2026March 5, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 2 Comments

Every year on March 28th, World Piano Day unites piano lovers across the globe as they celebrate the “king of musical instruments.” The day also encourages piano players of all ages and abilities to play in public spaces.

Musical instruments are grouped together in families. It’s relatively easy to determine what family most instruments belong. This is not the case with the piano, however. Some say it’s a percussion instrument. Others say it belongs to the string family. Many would say the piano is unique in that it belongs to both families.

Bartolomeo Cristofori of Italy invented the piano in 1700. It was first called “clavicembalo col piano e forte.” This can be translated to “a harpsichord that can play soft and loud noises.” Eventually, its name was shortened to piano.

Throughout the years, the piano went from one basic style to many different kinds. These include vertical, spinet, console, studio, upright, digital, pianola (self-playing piano), grand, and baby grand. These types of pianos come in a variety of different sizes.

Piano Book for Adult Beginners: Teach Yourself How to Play Famous Piano Songs, Read Music, Theory & Technique (Book & Streaming Video Lessons)#WorldPianoDay — Piano Book for Adult Beginners: Teach Yourself How to Play Famous Piano Songs, Read Music, Theory & Technique (Book & Streaming Video Lessons)

Alfred's Easy Piano Songs -- Rock & Pop: 50 Hits from Across the Decades#WorldPianoDay — Piano Book for Adult Beginners: Teach Yourself How to Play Famous Piano Songs, Read Music, Theory & Technique (Book & Streaming Video Lessons)

Most people play the piano because it’s fun, and they love the sound it makes. However, there are also many other benefits to playing the piano. Some of these benefits include:

It’s a great way to learn how to read music.
It sharpens fine motor skills and improves hand-eye coordination.
It boosts cognitive and intellectual abilities, including improved memory.
It’s great for mental health, as those who play the piano experience less depression and anxiety.

With so many benefits of playing the piano, today is a great day to sign your kids up for piano lessons, or take them yourself!

My husband Scott Langholff has been teaching for 40years. He’s still a professional performing musician. He uses State of the art professional equipment. Bring Jazz, Swing, Soul, R & B, Latin, folk, and more. Currently performing at Jaco’s Bayfront Bar & Grille in Pensacola, FL for Sunday Brunch.

Jaco's Bayfront Bar & Grille
Scott Langholff and Bill Barrow Sunday Brunch
https://scottlmusics.wordpress.com/

WORLD PIANO DAY HISTORY

The German musician, Nils Frahm, founded World Piano Day in 2015. He chose the date of March 28th, because it is the 88th day of the year. The piano has 88 keys.

Explore More…

HOW TO OBSERVE #WorldPianoDay

To celebrate this musical day, pianists give free concerts featuring piano music. Other people that take part in this day include composers, performers, piano movers, tuners, and piano builders. There are also many ways for you to participate: