Classical music

Classical music is a broad term that usually refers to Western art, cultural and religious music composed from about 1730 to the early nineteenth century. It can also refer to an era of musical history which began in the mid-18th century, encompassing works by composers such as Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven and Bach.

The period between 1750 and 1820 is often referred to as “the Classical Era” or simply “Classicism”. This was a time when many important changes took place within the world of classical composition; during this period there were two distinct styles: Viennese Classicism (associated with Joseph Haydn) and German Classicism (associated with Ludwig van Beethoven). These two approaches developed concurrently but had different objectives – while Viennese Classicists focused on formal perfectionism through balanced melodic structures and refined harmonic progressions, their German counterparts sought out emotional expression through dynamic shifts in volume or tempo.

Instrumentation during this time typically included stringed instruments (violins, violas), woodwinds (flutes), brass instruments (horns) percussion instruments like timpani drums or triangle bells. Keyboard instruments such as harpsichords or pianos were also used for accompaniment purposes. Compositions from this era are known for having strongly defined structure including four movements separated into sections arranged according to key/tempo change rather than strictly chronological order like modern day pop songs have today . They are characterized by clear tonal organization based around major/minor scales , strong contrasts between loud & soft sounds along with regular use of counterpoint melodies & forms involving several voices simultaneously playing separate parts at once e..g fugues etc . To further give these pieces unique identity they would sometimes include improvisational elements supported by written instructions given directly onto sheet music called cadenzas which allowed solo performers freedom while still keeping them firmly rooted within overall piece’s framework providing interesting contrast against more tightly structured passages making it arguably one point where beauty classical compositions lies upon …

By 1800’s Romantic era had begun ushering new age not just musically speaking but wider artistic movement too .. While romantic composers continued using all fundamentals established before them they placed far greater emphasis on conveying emotion over technical precision focusing heavily on subjective themes exploring concept of individualism passion love tragedy etc…. Throughout 19th Century countless masterpieces emerged paving way towards 20th Century ones we know so well today ranging from symphonies operas solo concertos chamber ensembles ballets choral works ect… Each continuing development set forth previous centuries laying foundations future generations will build up .. In present day classical has become widely accepted form entertainment its influence felt almost every genre imaginable proving testament timelessness its appeal both popular culture sense “high” art ….