Which statement correctly matches the period with its year range?

• A. Baroque: 1600-1750; Classical: 1750-1830; Romantic: 1830-1900; 20th Century: 1900-2000
• B. Baroque: 1600-1700; Classical: 1700-1800; Romantic: 1800-1900; 20th Century: 1900-2000
• C. Baroque: 1550-1650; Classical: 1650-1800; Romantic: 1800-1850; 20th Century: 1850-2000
• D. Baroque: 1600-1750; Classical: 1700-1800; Romantic: 1800-1900; 20th Century: 1900-2000

Answer: (A)

Understanding period-specific date ranges helps you place music in its historical context. The ranges commonly used are Baroque from about 1600 to 1750, Classical from about 1750 to the early 1800s, Romantic from about 1830 to 1900, and the 20th century from 1900 onward. The statement that matches these conventions lists Baroque as 1600-1750, Classical as 1750-1830, Romantic as 1830-1900, and the 20th Century as 1900-2000. This alignment reflects the usual boundaries scholars use for these periods, capturing the general shift in musical style from ornate textures of Baroque, through the clarity of Classical, toward the expressive breadth of Romantic, and into the modern approaches of the 20th century. Other options either place the transitions too early or too late, making their year ranges inconsistent with standard dating.