An interesting question that was posed on a different board. Google does not help me.
a) When did people start using the term “Baroque” to refer to what we now call the Baroque Period in classical music?
b) When did people start using the term “Classical” to refer to what we now call the Classical Period in classical music?
c) When did people start using the term “Romantic” to refer to what we now call the Romantic Period in classical music?
d) When did people start using “Classical” to describe all of Baroque, Classical and Romantic music?
Anybody?
The term Baroque began to be used in art and music criticism in the mid 1700’s (toward the end of the accepted “baroque” era of 1600-1750). It was meant as a somewhat derogatory term to describe the music as too ornate or “busy”.
The term “classical” for music came into use during the actual classical period (1750 - c1820). Neo-classicism, and a general interest and revival of Greek architecture and art were incredibly popular. Since there was no suriving music from ancient Greece, the music of the time, which was generally very orderly in terms of form, became known as “classic”.
The term Romantic was initially used by writers of the era (1820 - 1910 or so) to describe literary works. The term was adopted for music as well, but I’m not entirely sure at what point. I believe it was during the period.
No clue when people started using the term classical to describe all art music. (Art as separate from popular).