subject: All You Need To Know About Classical Music [print this page] A lot of people have heard a little classical music but are not aware of how classical music originated or what actually defines classical music. For those who want to know, classical music is the form of art music that has its origins in the tradition of western secular and liturgical music that began in the 11th century approximately and continues to the present day. The form of Western classical music is set apart from other types of music by its staff notation. This in turn means that there is not much scope for improvisation and momentary ornamentation that frequently happens in other types of music.
The term "classical music" for this style of music did not make its appearance till the 19th century. So what characterizes classical music? There are no final definitions that characterize the style of music. Some say that it is the music that lasts a long time. This description does not hold true because there is plenty of rock and pop music that has lasted a very long time and continues to be played and enjoyed even today.
Truly speaking, classical music is defined by the characteristic that its notations need to be written down and adhered to faithfully. This makes it necessary for both composers and performers to be highly skilled or as one might say, literate in these notations.
What are the other aspects that make classical music special? What, for instance, are the instruments that are typically associated with classical music? Most of the instruments used in classical music were invented before the mid-19th century and were standardized in the 18th and 19th centuries. The instruments are similar to those found in the orchestra, including string, bass, percussion and the woodwind families. With time, instruments such as the electric guitar have found their way into classical music, though they are still the exception rather than the rule. Digital techniques such as computer generated sounds and sampled sounds have also made their way into what is traditionally called classical music.
So where does one hear classical music? Typically, classical music is played in the forms of symphony, concerto, opera, sonata, dance and even some less popular styles such as suite, symphonic poem and etude.
What are the influences on classical music? Experts and scholars feel that western classical music is inspired by the popular music of the composer's time. For instance, Brahms is said to have incorporated popular songs of the youth of his time into his classical compositions. There have even been instances of composers using the prevalent folk music into their classical compositions.
Whatever the history of classical music might be, the fact remains that classical music is one of the most uplifting and sensitizing art forms available. This alone, is responsible for its abiding charm and appeal. It is no small thing that parents play Mozart for their babies from a young age so that they grow to be more intelligent and intellectually sharper than their peers.
