piano

baroque

dances

classical

minuet and trio, rondo, sonata allegro

romantic

character pieces

contemporary

aleatoric; determined by chance

baroque

two or more melodies; counterpoint

classical

single-line melody with accompaniment

romantic

chromatic harmony, accidentals, diminished and dominant sevenths and modulation

impressionistic

intricate harmonies

contemporary

modal, pentatonic, and 12-tone scales

baroque

clavichord, harpsichord, and organ

classical

pianoforte and harpsichord

romantic

pianoforte (piano)

contemporary

electronic keyboards, synthesizers, and pianos

baroque

strong beats, upbeats, and fast changing rhythmic motion

classical

rests, 16th notes, and triplets; same tempo usually used throughout

romantic

two notes against three; syncopation

contemporary

changing meters, polyrhythms

baroque

phrase and expression marks not used

classical

dynamic contrast

romantic

expressive personal feeling; pedal

impressionistic

vague outlines of melody and rhythm

contemporary

dissonance, prepared instruments; variety of harmonies

baroque

legato, nonlegato, portato, and staccato

classical

accompaniment figures, arpeggios, articulation, careful balance

romantic

balance between hands; complex inner voicing

contemporary

legato vs staccato accents; ninths and wide leaps