What is classical music?
In general, the term “classical music” refers to Western art music, which is thought to be distinct from Western popular or folk music. Because the term “classical music” also applies to non-Western art music, it is sometimes distinguished as Western classical music. Since at least the ninth century, classical music has been primarily a written tradition, producing a sophisticated notational system and accompanying literature in analytical, critical, historiographical, musicological, and philosophical practices. Its musical form and harmonic organization are frequently formal and complex, especially when polyphony is used. Classical music, which is a fundamental part of Western culture, is frequently viewed from the point of view of one or more composers whose works, personalities, and beliefs have fundamentally shaped its history.
Classical music origin
Any composition that emerged during classicism, from 1750 to 1820, is considered classical music. This musical style emerged as a break with the strict rules of baroque music. It was distinguished by its horizontal structure, in which multiple melodies overlapped simultaneously.
The birth of the opera, oratorio, sonata, concert, and symphony occurred in the 18th and 19th centuries, marking the beginning of classical music. These genres were first created by Italians, but they were soon followed by Germans, Austrians, and English. Classical music developed by combining elements of other Western musical traditions—both secular and liturgical, like Ancient Greek and Roman music—with those of the new territories’ musical traditions.
Classical music history
The classical era, from 1750 to 1820: The Classical period belongs to the broad category of classical music. The symphony, the instrumental concerto, which features virtuoso soloists, and the sonata form were first performed in front of a large audience during this period of music. During the Classical era, chamber music for trio and string quartet was also popular. Although he was far from the only classical music star, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is the most well-known composer. During this time, notable composers included Joseph Haydn, Franz Schubert, and J.S. Bach’s sons, J.C. Bach and C.P.E. Bach. The operatic form was developed into a style that is still recognizable today by opera composers like Mozart and Christoph Willibald Gluck. Although Ludwig van Beethoven’s career began during the Classical period, the new musical era was ushered in by his own innovations.
Types of classical music
The brain benefits from classical music in a number of ways. It can assist the brain in focusing in addition to being extremely calming. Classical music can be broken down by its form or the time period in which it was written.
Let’s take a look at some of classical music’s most important genres.
- Rococo Period
The period from 1600 to 1750 is known as ‘Rococo’ in craftsmanship and music. In general, this was the time after the Renaissance, and the music of this time was very different from that of the other eras.
During this time, string instruments like the viola, violin, double bass, and cello were some of the most commonly used instruments. The recorder, the pipe organ, and occasionally the trumpet were all additional instruments. Timpani, castanets, and snare drums were prominent percussion instruments.
Melodies, monodies, dynamics, and other elements of music were elaborately layered in Baroque music. In addition to well-known composers, this time also saw the development of tonality in music. When writing melodies, composers still use the musical keys and scales of this time period.
Antonio Vivaldi, Georg Friedrich Händel, Johann Pachelbel, and Johann Sebastian Bach were notable composers during this time period.
- The “Classical” period spans the mid-1700s to the early 1820s, despite the fact that “classical” music encompasses a wide range of genres. The idea of a standard orchestra was developed during this time. Symphony was also created during the Classical period, as we will see later.
Additionally, the “serenade” and “opera” styles of classical music developed, and many of their conventions are still followed today. Modernized versions of Baroque instruments were used in their place. One of these examples is adding valves to trumpets.
During this time, notable composers included Joseph Haydn, Ludwig van Beethoven, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and Antonio Salieri.
- The “Romantic” era, also known as the 19th century, encompasses the years 1850 to 1900. There was a focus on emotion and chromaticism, which was a departure from the norm of creating new forms or complex musicality.
The “Age of Enlightenment” was the catalyst for the emergence of the Romantic movement, and music produced during this period featured distinct themes, focus dynamics, and larger tonal gaps. An expanded tonal range and a diminished emphasis on conventional musical conventions are two additional common characteristics. heightened dissonance, among other things.
Frédéric Chopin, Niccol Paganini, Franz Schubert, Franz Liszt, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, and Richard Wagner were other prominent composers during the Early Romantic period. Ludwig van Beethoven is also included in this category.
- Modernist Era Despite the emergence of numerous genres during the 20th century, classical music continued to evolve even as its popularity declined. During this time, “impressionist” and “expressionist” styles of classical music dominated, respectively, in the 1890s and late 1900s.
Tonality, structure, and even instrumentation were redefined by modernist composers like Pauline Oliveros, George Perle, and Toru Takemitsu.
Musicologists believe that rather than the time period in which works were written, the focus should be placed on the composer’s attitude, which aimed to change the often rigid standards of classical music and make it more approachable to listeners.
- Music that is contemporary or post-modern classical still exists today. It would be incorrect to assert that there have not been any composers or compositions in the 21st century, even though many musicians perform works written during the Classical or even Baroque periods.
Today, scores for movies and television show often feature classical music. Postmodern classical music continues to defy the rigid standards of earlier forms of classical music, even though it supports the idea of making the music more accessible to all people.
Contemporary classical music composers include John Adams, Brian Eno, and Kaija Saariaho.
- Concerto Despite the fact that the majority of classical music is categorized according to the time period in which it was written, it can be performed in many different ways. One such type is the “concerto.”
This instrumental structure was created during the Elaborate time frame and the sythesis has three fundamental segments to it, a quick development followed by a sluggish development, and afterward another quick development. It is mostly written for one instrument or vocals alone.
Antonio Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons,” “Piano Concerto No. Concertos include Beethoven’s “No. 5” and Johannes Brahms’ “Violin Concerto No. 1 in D Major.”
- Sonata A “sonata” is a piece of music written for one instrument or a small group of instruments that has two to four movements in the same or related musical key. According to music historians, sonatas were only written for musical instruments, whereas a “cantata,” as we will see in the following sections, was written for choral voices to perform.
Although composers have interpreted the definition of a sonata in a variety of ways over time, the work always has a central theme and consists of three main sections: an introduction, its progression, and a summary of the theme. There may also be a coda in some sonatas.
Some well-known sonatas include Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata,” Chopin’s “Piano Sonata No. 2 in B-Flat Minor,” and Brahms’ “Violin Sonata No. 3 in D Minor.”
- Suite danced with classical music in the 17th and 18th centuries. A lot of the time, music was made to go with a dance, like ballet. A dance “suite” is a group of shorter pieces that make up a larger composition. Similar to sonatas, these are tonally linked and a part of a larger theme. A suite can be traced all the way back to the 14th century.
There were four movements in the Classical suite: allemande, courante, sarabande, and gigue are all words. These movements were arranged in a predetermined order, and over time, additional parts like the “minuet” and “bourrée” were added to them.
Swan Lake and The Nutcracker, both by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, are examples of suites.
- Oratorio An “oratorio” is a large concert piece for soloists, orchestras, or choirs. The composers drew inspiration from a variety of biblical subjects and figures for the secular themes. Protestant oratorios featured biblical tales, whereas Catholic oratorios featured saintly biographies.
During the medieval era, oratorios were an essential component of music and are thought to have originated in Italy. They gained popularity with opera.
After the Baroque era, oratorios lost popularity, but in the 20th century, interest returned. As in Dinesh Subasinghe’s “Karuna Nadee” and Dudley Buck’s “The Light of Asia,” which focused on the life of Buddha and Buddhism, composers frequently extended the sacred theme to other religions.
An example of an early oratorio is Pietro Metastasio’s “La Passione di Gesù Cristo.”
- A “symphony” is music with multiple movements that was written for a large ensemble like an orchestra. There are typically four main movements in symphonies, though there may be variations: an allegro, andante, minuet, and sonata for the opening and the closing.
Even though orchestras always play symphonies, some, like Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9′ has vocal parts as well.
Symphonies first appeared in Giovanni Gabrieli’s “Sacrae Symphoniae” in the 16th century and flourished during the Romantic era.
Among the most well-known symphony composers are Tchaikovsky, Brahms, Mozart, Beethoven, and Mahler.
- Chamber Music Originally performed in the palace chambers, “chamber music” was typically written for a small ensemble of instruments. In contrast to orchestra, chamber music does not feature solo instruments. Instead, the ensemble is smaller in chamber music.
Chamber music moved from the confines of a room to performance venues as the aristocracy was abolished. Today, chamber music preservation and performance are major priorities for many international music societies.
Some examples of chamber music include the “String Quintet” and “Trout Quintet” by Franz Schubert.
- Drama
‘Show’ alludes to a type of theater or arranged dramatization where the focal spotlight is on the music. Opera music relies heavily on vocals, which are occasionally accompanied by instruments. Despite the fact that it is viewed as an essential piece of old style music, show is likewise a type of performing expressions since it includes acting, dance, music, ensembles, and different stage settings.
It was written in Italy in the 1500s and reached its zenith in the 19th century under the direction of composers like Giuseppe Verdi and Richard Wagner.
Operas, in contrast to oratories, do not always have a secular theme; rather, they frequently incorporate historical and mythological subjects. There are romance, betrayal, and even tragedy as plot devices.
Some well-known operas include Gioachino Rossini’s “The Barber of Seville,” Wagner’s “Die Walküre,” and Sergei Prokofiev’s “War and Peace.”
Classical music period
Between roughly 1750 and 1820, between the Baroque and Romantic periods, there was a time period of classical music known as the Classical period. Classical music uses musical form more frequently—the rhythm and organization of a piece of music in simpler terms. Although it is mostly homophonic and employs a distinct melody line over a subordinate chordal accompaniment counterpoint was not forgotten, especially in liturgical vocal music and, later, secular instrumental music. In addition, it employs style galant, which substitutes for the Baroque’s dignified seriousness and impressive grandeur by emphasizing light elegance. The orchestra increased in size, range, and power as the piece’s variety and contrast became more pronounced.
Classical music characteristics
- Simplicity Unlike the Baroque period before it, this music was made to be simpler.
This style, in contrast to more elaborate melodies and embellishments, sustained its basic melodies with large ensembles. Musicians were able to read it more easily as a result, making the music feel softer and more relaxing.
Emotional extremes, intricate textures and patterns, and embellished melodies characterize Baroque music. Composers, musicians, and listeners of the classical era continued to be influenced by baroque musical styles.
Composers then began to place a greater emphasis on form and function. Simple tonal harmony and original, catchy single-line melodies were used.
Folk melodies were used by composers to create new variations. They also altered the dynamics, speed, and tonality. Music was developing from a silent reverence for the Divine and crucial questions. In contemporary music, efficiency was prioritized over grandeur. It took the place of the sense of awe and surprise that came with the complexity of Baroque music.
This pattern emerged during the Romantic era but began in the Classical period. In short, Classical music is associated with less extravagant Baroque music.
- Availability
It was in the late Florid period that public show corridors were first assembled. Because of this, classical music performances could be seen and heard by a large audience.
The majority of early classical composers remained employed in aristocratic courts. However, public concerts began to gain popularity throughout Europe. The music’s catchy melodies and simpler structures attracted new listeners.
The number of public concert halls with audiences increased during the Classical era. It grew to be a significant source of income for artists and composers. As a result, Classical music became more popular, accessible, and inclusive than Baroque music.
Baroque music was typically performed as chamber music for wealthy patrons at the time. As a direct result of this, middle-class people were finally able to participate in music.
When musicians no longer had to rely on churches or courts to play their music, a new era began. The practice of creating music specifically for public performances emerged as a result of this.
- Mood Shifts in Opposition to One Another In contrast to one another, euphoria and sadness are reflected in a classical piece’s mood shifts, which can be either moderate or dramatic.
It makes sense to make a comparison between this feature and Baroque music because it was one of the innovations of the time. Unlike Baroque music, classical music does not place an emphasis on a single devotion. It was designed with stark contrasts in mind, sometimes even within the same theme.
The nuances in a classical work are more varied. The goal of Baroque music was to keep the same mood throughout the piece. For instance, if the song is sad, it will never stop being sad.
On the other hand, classical music is much more diverse. You experience an emotional roller coaster as a result. There might be times when you are blissful, and different times when you are miserable, so there are ups and downs.
In a variety of ways, classical composers were able to combine a wide range of feelings. This included counter themes and motifs in various tonal keys with progressive dynamics, syncopations with instant pauses, and so on.
- Texture The homophonic texture gained popularity as composers began to concentrate on a single melody.
Classical compositions frequently feature single-line choral accompaniment as their texture. Because of this emphasis on melody, instrumental melodies also tend to flow more slowly and with fewer jumps than they did in the Baroque era. Even after the curtain had come down, the audience continued to sing the songs.
Everything during the Baroque era was extremely passionate and difficult. from talented opera singers who wowed audiences to instrumental music. Classical music, on the other hand, simplifies things a little and is more accurate.
The formal term for polyphony, counterpoint, was widely used during the Baroque era. The simultaneous playing of multiple melodies, which can be challenging to play and listen to, is known as polyphony.
The light simplicity of classical music contrasted with the complexity of baroque music. The idea that the universe was simple, set, beautiful, and full of meaning was one of the period’s recurring themes.
As a result, composers tried to make their works organized and straightforward. The need for order that dominated that era can be seen in musical cadences and chord progressions. Chords significantly contributed to the development of a sense of harmony and organization.
Take a look at some of Mozart’s piano works to see this in action. The left hand displays chord patterns, giving the impression of homophony.
- Melody and Themes Themes and melodies in classical music are symmetrical and balanced. They are memorable and catchy because they feature a folk or popular character.
Classical themes and melodies frequently consist of two phrases of the same length. A theme’s concluding phrase is more definitive if the second phrase begins similarly to the first. Because the ending is certain, it will undoubtedly be easier to sing. Additionally, a melodic phrase typically has two to four bars, similar to a question and answer.
Popular melodies were occasionally used as inspiration by composers. However, even in the most intricate works, they frequently employed well-known characters to create original themes. Because of this, classical music is one of the most melodic and simple to remember.
Advantages of listening to classical music
Lower Heart Rates and Significantly Lower Blood Pressure According to a study that was published in the journal Deutsches rzteblatt International, listeners of Mozart and Strauss had significantly lower heart rates and significantly lower blood pressure. “The emphasis of listening to the harmonies and rhythms of classical music provide a calming effect for people, thus helping to lower their blood pressure,” states neurosurgeon Michael Schneck.
Stress Reduction Are you feeling depressed or overwhelmed? Listening to classical music has been shown to have the same physiological effects as getting a massage—it calms you down and makes you feel better.
The International Journal of Critical Illness and Injury Science found that classical music helped patients in intensive care who were experiencing pain, anxiety, depression, and trouble sleeping. Patients who listened to Mozart’s Sonata for Two Pianos and Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata had lower heart rates and higher oxygen saturation, which helped them recover faster from stress.
Brain Power Boost Classical music improves cognitive function because it is aesthetically pleasing. Neurocognition and dopamine, or the “happiness chemical” according to neurologists, are both boosted when something sounds good. An aging brain stays active and in good health because of these two factors working together. As a result, people who listen to classical music have better memory retention and a lower risk of memory loss as they get older.
Classical music examples
Members of the Viennese School are often referred to as well-known composers of classical music. It was regarded as European Classical music’s core.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is not only the greatest and most well-known composer of the Classical era but of all time. He composed hundreds of classical works in his limited time. Each symbolizes perfect purity.
Franz Joseph Haydn is yet another well-known composer of classical music. Additionally, he wrote hundreds of works for symphonies, quartets, and other instrumental ensembles.
Other well-known classical composers emerged at the end of the Classical and the beginning of the Romantic periods. Classical music standards were being redefined by composers like Ludwig van Beethoven and Franz Schubert in the beginning.