Listen: Classical music examples
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About Classical music
Classical music is a music genre in the 5th century. It is usually classed as a form of art music.
Among the best-known names in the style are Ludwig van Beethoven, Richard Wagner, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Giuseppe Verdi, Franz Schubert and George Frideric Handel.
Classical music has given rise to 41 subgenres on this site, such as Opera, Chamber music, Sonata and Baroque music.
From Wikipedia
Classical music is a tradition of art music in the Western world, considered to be distinct from Western folk music or popular music. It is sometimes distinguished as Western classical music, as the term "classical music" can also be applied to non-Western art musics. Classical music is often characterized by formality and complexity in its musical form and harmonic organization, particularly with the use of polyphony. Since at least the ninth century, it has been primarily a written tradition, spawning a sophisticated notational system, as well as accompanying literature in analytical, critical, historiographical, musicological and philosophical practices.
Genre family tree
Parent genres (↑) and subgenres (↓) of Classical music.
Key artists
- Ludwig van Beethoven
- Richard Wagner
- Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
- Giuseppe Verdi
- Franz Schubert
- George Frideric Handel
- Joseph Haydn
- Gustav Mahler
- Antonín Dvořák
- Paul McCartney
Related genres
Questions people ask
Real questions from the Stack Exchange community – follow a link to read the discussion.
- How can a classical pianist learn jazz piano? · Music SE
- Why isn't there a classical composer like Beethoven, Chopin or Mozart today? · Music SE
- Classical music theory notation for chord inversions (figured bass) · Music SE
- How do classical composers write music? · Music SE
- Why is the key included in classical music titles? · Music SE
Frequently asked questions
What is Classical music?
Classical music is a music genre in the 5th century. It is usually classed as a form of art music.
Where and when did Classical music originate?
Classical music originated in the 5th century.
Who are famous Classical music artists?
Ludwig van Beethoven, Richard Wagner, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Giuseppe Verdi, Franz Schubert and George Frideric Handel.
Sources & credits
- Wikidata Q9730 – CC0
- Wikipedia: Classical music – CC BY-SA 4.0
- MusicBrainz genre – CC0
- Magic Flute Overture by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – CC BY 2.5
- Raspberrymusic - Aliens (trailer music; cinematic epic electronic classical music) by raspberrymusic – CC BY 3.0
- Classical music Instrumental (Antti Luode) by Antti Luode – CC BY 3.0