Classical music

Classical music is a broad term that generally refers to the formal musical tradition of the Western world, considered to be distinct from such other Western musical traditions as folk music, jazz, or popular music. The term "classical music" is often used as a synonym for Western art music, which describes a variety of Western musical styles from the ninth century to the present, and especially from the sixteenth or seventeenth to the nineteenth. This article is focused primarily on the Western tradition of classical music.

Origins

The origins of classical music can be traced back to the sacred music of the Middle Ages. Monophonic gregorian chants were among the earliest forms of classical music, which were later supplemented by polyphonic choral works following the development of polyphony.

Periods

Classical music is typically divided into several historical periods: the Middle Ages (500-1400), the Renaissance (1400-1600), the Baroque era (1600-1750), the Classical era (1750-1820), the Romantic era (1800-1910), and the 20th century (1900-2000) which includes the modern (1890-1930), postmodern (1930-present) and contemporary (1975-present) periods.

Instruments

Classical music is performed with a vast range of musical instruments which were developed or adapted to suit the genre. These include the violin, piano, flute, clarinet, guitar, and cello, among others. The symphony orchestra is the most widely known medium for classical music.

Composers

Some of the most notable composers of classical music include Johann Sebastian Bach, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven, Franz Schubert, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Frederic Chopin, Richard Wagner, and Johannes Brahms. Each of these composers worked in different periods and developed their own unique styles and approaches to composition.

Influence

Classical music has had a profound influence on the development of all Western music, and continues to do so today. It has also been a source of inspiration for many composers of film music, including John Williams, Hans Zimmer, and Howard Shore.