The Renaissance period (14th-16th century) witnessed the rise of polyphony, where multiple melodies were woven together to create complex and intricate musical textures.

Claudio Monteverdi, an Italian composer of the 16th and 17th centuries, is widely regarded as the father of modern opera. His opera "Orfeo" (1607) is considered a landmark in the development of the genre.

Romanticism, a literary movement that emerged in the late 18th century and continued into the 19th century, placed emphasis on individual emotions, imagination, and the exploration of the natural world.

Arnold Schoenberg, an Austrian composer of the early 20th century, is widely recognized for his pioneering work in atonality and dissonance, breaking away from traditional tonal structures.

Symbolism, a literary technique, employs symbols to represent abstract ideas, emotions, or concepts, adding layers of meaning and depth to a work.

Herman Melville, an American novelist and short story writer, is best known for his epic novel "Moby-Dick" (1851), which delves into the themes of obsession, revenge, and the relationship between humanity and nature.

Jazz, a musical genre born in the African-American community, emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It incorporates elements of blues, ragtime, and improvisation, creating a unique and dynamic sound.

T.S. Eliot, an American-born British poet, playwright, and literary critic, is widely regarded as one of the most influential poets of the 20th century. His works, such as "The Waste Land" and "Four Quartets," explore profound themes of time, memory, and mortality.

Modernism, a literary movement that emerged in the early 20th century, challenged traditional forms and conventions in literature. It embraced experimentation with language, structure, and narrative, seeking to reflect the complexities and uncertainties of the modern world.

Giuseppe Verdi, an Italian opera composer of the 19th century, is renowned for his operas, including "La Traviata." Based on the play "La Dame aux Camélias," the opera explores themes of love, sacrifice, and societal conventions.

Onomatopoeia, a literary device, employs words that imitate the sounds associated with the objects or actions they describe. Examples include "buzz," "hiss," and "splash."

F. Scott Fitzgerald, an American novelist and short story writer, is best known for his novel "The Great Gatsby" (1925). Set in the Jazz Age of the 1920s, the novel explores themes of wealth, love, and the American Dream.

Rockabilly, a musical genre that emerged in the 1950s, fused elements of rock and roll, rhythm and blues, and country music. It is characterized by its energetic rhythms, simple melodies, and twangy guitar sounds.

Harper Lee, an American novelist, is best known for her novel "To Kill a Mockingbird" (1960). The novel, set in the American South during the 1930s, tackles themes of racial injustice, moral growth, and the complexities of human nature.

Calypso, a musical genre that originated in the Caribbean in the 19th century, blends elements of African, European, and Latin American music. It is characterized by its upbeat rhythms, catchy melodies, and social commentary.