In this article you can access information about the history of classical music, its definition, what term is often used to define classical music, what distinguishes it, what are the main genres, and how/where you can enjoy a classical music event today in Greece.
What is Classical Music?
What is the definition of classical music? When we refer to this multi-word term, we generally mean the type of music that was born from Western civilization and includes a wide range of periods, (Medieval, Renaissance, etc.), musical categories (organ music, opera, etc.), and musical genres (symphony, sonata, etc.).
What Time Period was Classical Music Assigned to?
Chronologically it includes music composed between the late 5th and early 20th centuries, but it can also refer to music from other time periods that follow certain conventions of harmony, structure, and melody.
What is Considered Classical Music?
Classical music is characterized by the use of orchestral instruments, such as the piano, various strings such as the violin, cello, etc., wind instruments such as the oboe, clarinet, etc., by a human voice trained in singing, as well as from its emphasis on complex musical combinations and compositions that convey emotion, are descriptive in nature, or tell stories.
What are the most important periods of classical music?
The six most important periods of classical music are as follows:
- Medieval (c. 470 – 1400)
- Renaissance (c. 1400 – 1600)
- Baroque (c. 1600 – 1750)\
- Classical (c. 1730 – 1820)
- Romanticism (c. 1815 – 1910) (Some speak of early and late Romanticism, thus dividing it into two eras from c. 1830 to 1860 and c. 1860 to 1920)
- Modern Classical (c. 1890-present)
We should mention that these eras are not strictly defined in specific time frames and there may be overlap or even sharing of common characteristics. Furthermore, the dates given are approximate and may vary by country and genre.
Which are the Main Genres of Classical Music?
If we were to make a genre list for each period, then we would be listing more than 150 genres throughout the periods in total. In addition, some works may belong to several genres and not be attached exclusively to one.
Here we list ten of the most important genres of classical music:
1. Symphony
Definition of a symphony: A large work is performed by an orchestra, usually consisting of four movements.
2. Opera
Opera is a musical play, with lyric singers, a chorus, and an orchestra, which includes acting, sets, and costumes.
3. Chamber music
Chamber music is a musical composition for a small group of instruments, usually no more than ten musicians, and may also include singing.
4. Concerto
Concerto is a musical composition for a solo instrument, or rarely more, accompanied by an orchestra, usually consisting of three parts.
5. Sonata
Sonata is a composition for a solo instrument or small ensemble often consisting of three or four parts.
6. Oratorio
Oratorio is a musical composition for lyric singers, choir, and orchestra, with biblical and religious themes, usually performed on a concert stage, without acting, sets, props, or costumes.
7. Cantata
Cantata is a type of musical vocal composition for lyric singers and often a choir, with orchestral or instrumental accompaniment. The subject matter can be religious or secular.
8. Ballet
Musical composition, written for orchestra, to accompany a classical ballet.
9. Requiem
A musical composition for a funeral service of the Catholic Church, for lyric singers and often choir, with orchestral or instrumental accompaniment, with five or eight hymns.
10. Suite
A suite is a self-contained and organized ensemble of orchestral or instrumental pieces of music, which are performed in a specific order in concert form.
Where Can I Listen to Classical Music?
You can enjoy the greatness of classical music, in concert halls and opera houses, but also now in private concerts in the comfort of the location of your choice with Evymnos: a Private classical concerts and private opera gala events management company in Greece.
Contact us Today for your Private Concert/Opera Gala Event
Let us organize your private classical music concert (or your private opera gala) whether you are an individual who wants to throw a top-quality private event for your family and friends or a company/organization that wants to throw a private corporate high-quality music event.
