Classical music

Classical music is the art music of the Western world. It is different from folk music or popular music. Classical music is formal and complex. It uses written notes. This tradition began in the Middle Ages and has grown over many years.

Early classical music was mostly for churches and royal courts. Important places included the Abbey of Saint Gall and the Notre-Dame school. Over time, music became more complex with many voices singing together.

During the Baroque period, composers like Johann Sebastian Bach wrote detailed music. The Classical period had famous composers such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Joseph Haydn, and Ludwig van Beethoven. They created beautiful symphonies and concertos. The Romantic music era focused on strong feelings and stories in music.

In the 20th century, classical music changed. Some composers tried new styles. Others used older traditions. Today, classical music is enjoyed worldwide. Orchestras and opera houses can be found in many countries.

Terminology and definition

The word "classical" in classical music comes from an old word used by the ancient Romans. They used it to describe the best or most important things. Over time, it came to mean music that is very well made and follows special rules.

Today, "classical music" usually means music from Western tradition that is very formal and complex. It often refers to music from the 18th and early 19th centuries by famous composers like Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Joseph Haydn, and Ludwig van Beethoven. Some people also use the term to talk about other kinds of music from around the world that share these same qualities.

History

Classical music is the art music of the Western world. It is different from folk or popular music. It is known for its formality and complexity. It often uses polyphony, which means multiple independent melodic lines played together.

The roots of Western classical music begin with the early Christian Church. Over time, it absorbed ideas from Ancient Greek and Roman music theorists. During the Middle Ages, music became an important part of learning.

Early forms of medieval music included monophonic chant, such as Gregorian chant. This used a single melody line. Later, polyphonic music with multiple voices developed. The Renaissance period saw more use of instruments and complex musical forms. Printing technology helped spread music widely. By the Baroque period, music grew more complex. The Classical era, from the 1750s to the early 1820s, brought new forms like the symphony and concerto. The Romantic era focused on expressive melodies. In the 20th and 21st centuries, classical music continued to evolve.

Performance

Performers who study classical music a lot are called "classically trained." They might learn from private teachers or by completing special programs at a college or university, such as a Bachelor of Music or Master of Music degree.

Classical music is special because it is written down in musical notation, which creates a musical part or score. This written form helps musicians play together and allows for very complex music, like fugues. The written scores also let us enjoy music from long ago.

Relationship to other music traditions

Classical music often includes ideas from popular music. Composers like Brahms used tunes from student drinking songs in some of his works. Later, composers such as Maurice Ravel were inspired by jazz. George Gershwin mixed classical music with jazz in his famous piece Rhapsody in Blue.

Classical music also influences popular music. Some well-known songs are based on classical pieces, like Pachelbel's Canon. Even rock guitarists like Ritchie Blackmore and Randy Rhoads have used styles from older classical music in their playing.

Classical composers have also used folk music. Composers like Dvořák and Smetana used folk tunes to show their national identities. Others, such as Bartók, used folk music from its original sources. Khachaturian included folk music from Armenia and other regions in his compositions.

Commercialization

Classical music is often used in commercials, movies, and cartoons to make people feel fancy or excited. Some famous pieces you might hear include the opening of Richard Strauss's Also sprach Zarathustra, which became well-known from the film 2001: A Space Odyssey, and "O Fortuna" from Carl Orff's Carmina Burana. Other popular examples are Edvard Grieg's "In the Hall of the Mountain King," Beethoven's Symphony No. 5, and Aaron Copland's Rodeo.

Movies and TV shows also use classical music to show richness or luxury. Common choices include Bach's Cello Suite No. 1, Mozart's Eine kleine Nachtmusik, and Vivaldi's Four Seasons.

Education

Further information: Music education

In the 1990s, some people thought that listening to Mozart's music could help kids think better for a short time. This idea was called the "Mozart effect." Because of this, some schools in Florida and Georgia started playing classical music for young children. But one researcher said it might be better to use that money for more music education programs for children.