The earliest known polyphonic music is the organum, which was a type of improvised accompaniment to the Gregorian chant. The organum was followed by the motet, a polyphonic composition that was based on a sacred text. Motets were often sung by a choir, with each voice singing a different part of the melody.
In the 13th century, the Ars Nova movement emerged in France. This movement was characterized by the use of more complex rhythms and harmonies, as well as the development of new musical instruments. The Ars Nova period saw the rise of the polyphonic mass, a complex musical composition that was based on the Catholic Mass.
The 14th century saw the emergence of the Renaissance style of music. This style was characterized by a renewed interest in classical Greek and Roman culture, and by the use of more secular (non-religious) texts in music. The Renaissance period also saw the rise of the opera, a form of musical theater that combined music, drama, and dance.
The 17th century saw the emergence of the Baroque style of music. This style was characterized by its dramatic and emotional qualities, as well as by the use of large orchestras and complex harmonies. The Baroque period saw the rise of the concerto, a musical composition for a soloist and orchestra, and the sonata, a musical composition for a solo instrument or a small group of instruments.
The 18th century saw the emergence of the Classical style of music. This style was characterized by its clarity, balance, and simplicity. The Classical period saw the rise of the symphony, a large-scale musical composition for orchestra, and the string quartet, a musical composition for four string instruments.
The 19th century saw the emergence of the Romantic style of music. This style was characterized by its emotional intensity and expressiveness, as well as by the use of large orchestras and complex harmonies. The Romantic period saw the rise of the tone poem, a musical composition that was based on a literary or poetic work, and the opera, which reached its peak during this period.
The 20th century saw the emergence of the modern style of music. This style was characterized by its experimentation with new musical forms and techniques, as well as by the use of electronic instruments. The 20th century saw the rise of jazz, a form of improvised music that originated in the African-American community, and the rock and roll, a form of popular music that emerged in the United States in the 1950s.