Classical Period Art Definition

Classical Music: A Definition and History

What is Classical Music?

Classical music is a broad term that covers a wide range of music from the Western tradition. It typically refers to music written between the 16th and 20th centuries, and includes a variety of genres, such as opera, symphony, concerto, and chamber music.

Characteristics of Classical Music

Classical music is often characterized by its use of melody, harmony, and rhythm. The melodies are typically clear and easy to follow, and the harmonies are often rich and complex. The rhythms are often regular and predictable, but they can also be varied and syncopated.

History of Classical Music

The origins of classical music can be traced back to the Middle Ages, when composers began to develop polyphonic music, which is music that has two or more independent melodic lines. During the Renaissance, composers began to use more complex harmonies and rhythms, and they also began to experiment with new forms of music, such as the opera and the concerto.

The Baroque period (1600-1750) was a time of great innovation in classical music. Composers such as Johann Sebastian Bach, George Handel, and Antonio Vivaldi developed new forms of music, such as the fugue and the concerto grosso. They also began to use larger orchestras and more complex harmonies.

The Classical period (1750-1820) was a time of refinement and elegance in classical music. Composers such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Joseph Haydn, and Ludwig van Beethoven wrote music that was characterized by its clarity, balance, and grace.

The Romantic period (1820-1900) was a time of great emotional expression in classical music. Composers such as Franz Schubert, Robert Schumann, and Frédéric Chopin wrote music that was characterized by its passion, intensity, and drama.

The 20th century saw a wide variety of new styles and trends in classical music. Some composers, such as Igor Stravinsky and Arnold Schoenberg, experimented with atonality and serialism. Others, such as Béla Bartók and Dmitri Shostakovich, drew inspiration from folk music and other non-Western sources.