Lets Talk About Classical Music

Classical Music

Classical Music

Posted by Elizabeth on October 28, 2009 in Classical Music with No Comments


Fadi Ayat


Classical Music

“Classic Music” is a term used to refer to a wide range of music that is produced in or rooted in the traditions of Western art, ecclesiastical and concert music. It has been spanning the ages from the 9th century to the present time. Classical music is still played by many of today’s artist and reaches a select group of individuals. The term “classical music” was coined during the 19th Century as an attempt to identify the period from Johann Sebastian Bach to Ludwig van Beethoven which was considered as the “Golden Age” of Classical Music. It was during 1863 that the term classical music was recorded in the Oxford English Dictionary.

One of the main characteristics that distinguish Classical Music from Popular Music is the choice of instrumentation. The instruments used to play classical music were invented before the middle of the 19th Century. The instruments used were the same as those found in an Orchestra, with a few added solo instruments like the Piano, Harpsichord and the Organ.

A few modern electronic instruments have found their way into contemporary Classic Music during the current and last century. In Medieval Times, musical instruments were divided into two categories: Loud and Soft. Louder instruments were used outdoors and in church while Softer toned instruments were used to play music indoors. Classical works often display a certain degree of complexity through the use of development, modulation, variation rather than exact repetition (as seen in Popular Music), Counter point, polyphony and sophisticated harmonies.

Public adoration for classical music has dropped since the 1900s, most particularly in more developed countries like the United States and the United Kingdom. Classical music has taken a back seat behind popular forms of music like: jazz, pop, rock, rap, and many more. Despite the drop in popularity, parents can be seen sending their children to learn Classical Music at a young age in order to incorporate a sense of discipline that is supposedly learned when playing classical music.

Attempts by Classical artist to get their craft to reach a broader audience have seen collaborations between Classical Singers and Pop Music. Notable with this is the work of the late Pavarotti who sang pop songs alongside their artist. In Popular culture, we are able to find classical music along with everyday thing: From movie soundtracks and young Classically trained artists like Josh Groban and Charlotte Church to the smaller things like the music in a music box and TV commercials.



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