Each chapter features an introduction to the period, its key composers and other personalities, musical styles, forms, and instruments. Six thematic strands developed throughout the book are identified by a series of icons at the top of each spread. These elucidating themes -- designed to expand the reader's knowledge of various aspects of classical music and provide a context within each era -- are "Women in Music", "Arts & Culture", "Inside the Music", "The Voice", "Performance", and "Influences". A Listening Guide for each era covers details of orchestration, instrumentation, timing, and full historical background, and an extensive discography and bibliography are also included.