Is a term that has two different meanings when it comes to music. In the
broadest sense, classical music refers to music of certain forms and genres
(symphony, string quartet, sonata, etc.) for certain instrumental combinations
(solo violin, symphony orchestra, string quartet, etc) and intended for concert
performance.
In a narrower sense "classical" refers to a specific period in
music history and a specific set of stylistic traits. The hallmarks of this
style are balance, clarity, and proportion. These qualities reflect the artistic sensibilities of of ancient Greece and Rome,
the so-called "Classical" civilizations. Classical music, strictly
defined, means music produced in the Western world between 1750 and 1820. This
music included opera, chamber music, choral pieces, and music requiring a full
orchestra. To most, however, the term refers to all of the above types of music
within most time periods before the 20th century.
In its limited definition, classical music includes the works of Haydn,
Mozart and Beethoven.
From Mozart alone, there are a huge range of pieces to enjoy, as he
wrote symphonies, music for quartets and quintets, chamber orchestra pieces,
choral pieces, piano concertos, and entire operas. In total, he wrote over 600
musical pieces.
Classical music would not be quite the same without Beethoven, who is
particularly known for his symphonies. Beethoven’s sixth symphony is probably
most recognized because of its pastorale, a section of music used in the Disney
film Fantasia. The achingly beautiful Moonlight Sonata was also written by him.
Beethoven wrote only one opera, Fidelio, and his genius rests in his symphonies
and piano concertos.
Haydn, has often been referred to as the “father of classical music,” as
his work during this era forms the basis of influence for many others.
Ironically, though he is considered the progenitor of the classical era, he is
less familiar to most audiences than the composers mentioned above. His
Symphony no. 94, The Surprise Symphony, is among his best known works.
"Classical" music may also refer to the native and folk music
of any country, although the styles vary greatly, depending upon available
instruments.
Characteristics
• Given the extremely
broad variety of forms, styles, genres, and historical periods generally
perceived as being described by the term "classical music," it is
difficult to list characteristics that can be attributed to all works of that
type. Vague descriptions are plentiful, such as describing classical music as
anything that "lasts a long time," a statement made rather moot when
one considers contemporary composers who are described as classical; or music
that has certain instruments like violins, which are also found in other
genres. However, there are characteristics that classical music contains that
few or no other genres of music contain.
• Whereas most popular
styles lend themselves to the song form, classical music has been noted for its
development of highly sophisticated forms of instrumental music: these include
the concerto, symphony, sonata, suite, étude, symphonic poem, opera, and
others.
Classical composers often aspire to imbue their music with a very
complex relationship between its affective (emotional) content and the
intellectual means by which it is achieved. Many of the most esteemed works of
classical music make use of musical development, the process by which a musical
idea or motif is repeated in different contexts or in altered form. The sonata
form and fugue employ rigorous forms of musical development.
• The instruments used in
most classical music were largely invented before the mid-19th century, often
much earlier, and codified in the 18th and 19th centuries. They consist of the
instruments found in an orchestra or concert band, together with several other
solo instruments such as the piano, harpsichord, and organ. The symphony
orchestra is the most widely known medium for classical music. The orchestra
includes members of the string, woodwind, brass, and percussion families.
• Electric instruments
such as the electric guitar and the ondes Martenot appear occasionally in the
classical music of the 20th and 21st centuries. Both classical and popular
musicians have experimented in recent decades with electronic instruments such
as the synthesizer, electric and digital techniques such as the use of sampled
or computer-generated sounds, and the sounds of instruments from other cultures
such as the gamelan.
• Professional performance
of classical music repertoire demands a significant level of proficiency in
sight-reading and ensemble playing, thorough understanding of tonal and
harmonic principles, knowledge of performance practice, and a familiarity with
the style/musical idiom inherent to a given period, composer or musical work
are among the most essential of skills for the classically trained musician.
