Exploring the Enduring Allure of Classical Music

Source: Google (https://www.yourclassical.org/story/2013/10/15/what-is-classical-music)

Music’s definition

Thomas Clifton (Music as Heard: A Study in Applied Phenomenology, 1983) defines music as “an ordered arrangement of sounds and silences with connotative rather than denotative significance.” This definition distinguishes between music as an end in itself, compositional technique, and sounds as solely physical objects.”

“Music is the actualization of the possibility of any sound presenting some human being with a meaning that he experiences with his body” (Clifton 1983, 1). Consequently, “a certain reciprocal relationship between a person, his behavior, and a sounding object” is established (Clifton 1983, 10).

History of music

Based on J. Rogers (History of Music: the Classical Era, 2015), The History of Music may be generally split into many periods of time, each having its own traits or musical genres. Of course, musical styles do not change suddenly. It is frequently a slow process, with styles overlapping and fresh forms arising from old ones. However, it is widely acknowledged that the History of Music may be split into six eras.

1. Mediaeval Era (1150–1400)

The Mediaeval period is the very first one in which we know with certainty how music sounded. Because the majority of mediaeval notated manuscripts originate from churches or sites associated with churches, the majority of them have a religious focus. During this era, the flute, recorder, and plucked string instruments such as the lute were also prominent. There were also early versions of the organ and the violin. Mediaeval music’s most popular style was Gregorian Chant. Gregorian Chants were monophonic (consisting of a single melody without accompaniment) and were typically performed by monks.

2. Renaissance Era (1400–1600)

As most composers focused on choral music, the Renaissance saw a major growth in harmony and polyphony in music. During this era, instruments that included early brass instruments, the harpsichord, small percussion instruments, and early woodwind instruments became more popular. In the second part of the Renaissance period, composers shifted aside from the modal system of harmony and in the direction of the structure of major and minor scales, which had a significant impact. Notable Renaissance composers included William Byrd, John Dowland, Orlando Gibbons, Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, and Thomas Tallis.

3. Baroque (1600–1750)

The Baroque period is well-known for its complex compositions and sophisticated harmonies. Nonetheless, this time period paved the way for the next 300 years of music. The invention of composing music in a certain key occurred during the Baroque period. Early Baroque composers included Claudio Monteverdi, Alessandro Scarlatti, Henry Purcell, and Jean Baptiste Lully; later Baroque composers included Johann Sebastian Bach, George Frederick Handel, Georg Philipp Telemann, Jean-Philippe Rameau, Dominico Scarlatti, and Antonio Vivaldi. Former composers contributed significantly to the evolution of classical music.

4. Classical (1750–1820)

The Classical era lasted roughly from 1750 until 1810. Classical music is characterized by “graceful” harmonies in phrases that are distinct and well-balanced. Classical music was frequently homophonic, with the emphasis on melody’s elegance and beauty. The symphony, concerto, and string quartet were all popular instrumental genres throughout the Classical period. The moment witnessed seismic social, political, and artistic transformation. Faith and morals (the ‘watchwords’ of Bach and Handel) reduced priority over the pleasure principle in music. Rather than attempting to improve their audiences, artists such as Haydn and Mozart began to pamper them. The rewards for this strategy elevated the composer’s social stature. Composers progressed from ‘below stairs’ to ‘high table’ in sixty years. The whole role of music, as well as that of the listener, has transformed tremendously.

5. Romantic (1820–1900)

Beethoven and Schubert bridged the orchestral gap between the Classical and Romantic eras. As one might believe from the meaning of “romantic,” this period took Classical music and embedded it with an astounding amount of emotion and expressiveness. Composers generally abandoned carefully structured compositions in favor of drama and passion as the century progressed. The music of the nineteenth century was frequently highly meaningful, with numerous allusions to literature and other art forms. Important components include nationalist sentiments, lied, song cycle, word painting, symphonic poem, tone poem, fixed idea, leitmotiv, and opera.

6. 20th Century and 21st Century (1900–current)

The twentieth century produced a diverse spectrum of musical styles. Others have adopted a more experimental approach to music. Important musical genres include Latin American, Blues, Ragtime, Swing, Samba, Salsa, Jazz, Boogie-woogie, Soul, Country, and jazz-Funk, as well as unique styles such as Impressionist, Nationalist, Expressionist, Minimalist, Aleatoric, and NeoClassical.

Definition of Classical Music

In accordance with the Oxford English Dictionary, “classical music” is “music composed within the tradition of Western music, typically in a well-established genre (such as a symphony).” Classical music is frequently considered serious and of lasting value. In the symphony, comic operas, and classical piano sonatas, the Classical era witnessed the formalization of set structures, compositional processes, and orchestral sizes and forms. The harpsichord or organ of the earlier Baroque period (1600–1750) was no longer the melodic base of orchestras, and wind instruments such as the horn, trumpet, clarinet, flute, and oboe combined the strings to create a new, distinctive sound. The Age of Enlightenment was reshaping society, a period of dramatic transformation in which societal ideals focused on human rights and religious freedom. And, unlike the more extravagant forms of the Baroque, the architectural style of the period was all about straight lines and order, evocative of ancient Rome and Greece — thus the name ‘Classical’.

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Characteristics of Classical Music

Classical music emerged in the 17th and early 18th centuries, after the Baroque period. It lasted approximately from 1750 until 1820. Simpler materials, thinner textures, and a preference for homophonic harmony are characteristics of it. The characteristics of Classical music are simplicity, accessibility, contrasting moods, texture, themes, and melody.

Genres and Famous Composers

1. Baroque

Melodic patterns in music advanced in the late Baroque Period (1690–1750), with specialized compositions customized to various instruments and the string family frequently taking the lead in performing the melodies. Furthermore, the orchestra introduced abrupt shifts in dynamics, imbuing the music with a greater sense of drama, while the ubiquitous homophonic texture characterized the era’s general musical style. The most well-known composers of the Baroque era were; Cannon in D Major by Johann Pachabel (1653–1706), The Four Seasons (1721) by Antonio Vivaldi (1678–1741), The Well-Tempered Clavier (1722–1742) by Johann Sebastian Bach (1658–1750), Brandenburg (1721), and Tocatta and Fugue in D Minor (1704).

2. Classical Period

Melodies were characterized by short yet balanced phrases throughout the Classical Period, which lasted from 1750 to 1820. The inclusion of an “Alberti” bass, which created a sense of energy, boosted the harmony. The period’s rhythm was characterized by abrupt, brief breaks after quick movements. While string instruments continued to lead the melody, woodwind instruments were allowed solo opportunities on occasion. As a result, the orchestra grew in size to accommodate the addition of woodwind instruments. Famous Classical Period Composers

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756–1791) — Piano Sonata №11 (1783), Kleine Nachtmusik (1787), Joseph Haydn (1732–1809) — aka Father of the String Quartet — Symphony №94, Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827) — Piano Sonata №14 in C# minor (1801),Bagatelle №25 in A Major(1810), Franz Schubert (1797–1828)

3. Romantic Period

Romantic music, which first appeared in the nineteenth century, is intimately connected with themes of love, idealism, nature, and expressiveness. Composers of this era used strategies that emphasized heightened expressiveness. One famous method was “chromaticism,” in which notes outside of a composition’s regular scale were used to convey emotional depth. The piano, a popular instrument at the time, evolved significantly, growing bigger and more powerful, allowing for a wider variety of dynamics and tone possibilities. Opera, symphony, programme symphony, concert overture, symphonic poem, dramatic overture, art song, solo concerto, and ballet music were the major musical genres throughout the Romantic period. According to the data provided, famous composers include Ludwig van Beethoven, Franz Schubert, Hector Berlioz, Robert Schumann, and Clara Schumann. Ludwig van Beethoven’s compositions include the Piano Sonata №32 in C minor, Op. 111 (1821–1822) and Symphony №9 in D minor (Chorale) (1822–1824). Famous works of Franz Schubert include “Erlkönig” (1815), the Trout Quintet (1819), and Symphony №9 in C Major (1828). Hector Berlioz is best known for his 1830 Symphony Fantastique. Carnaval Op. 9 (1834–1835) and Kinderzenen (1838) are two works by Robert Schumann. Clara Schumann, a well-known female composer, produced compositions like “Liebst du um Schönheit” from Liebesfrühling (1841) and Drei Romanzen (1853).

4. Impressionism

In music, Impressionism constituted a transitional period from Romanticism to Modernism. It was distinguished by the use of unmixed colors with fast strokes to depict the effects of natural light on the subject matter, similar to the same-named visual art trend. Chords developed in parallel motion, and unorthodox scale patterns were adopted in terms of musical aspects. During this time, the most popular genres were opera, symphonic poem, orchestral song, string quartet, character piece for piano, and ballet music. Impressionist composers include Claude Debussy (1862–1918) and Maurice Ravel (1875–1937). Famous works by Claude Debussy include “Deux Arabesques” (1888–1891) and “Clair de Lune” (1905). “Pavane pour une infante défunte” (1899) and “Bolero” (1928) are two of Maurice Ravel’s noteworthy pieces.

5. Modern Music

Compositions made from 1900 to the present day are considered modern music, and they represent a diverse spectrum of musical genres and developments. Symphonies, solo concertos, choral music, ballet music, opera, and string quartets were popular genres during this time period. Notably, modern music introduced notions such as “polytonality,” in which two opposing tonal centres are utilized at the same time, and “atonality,” in which there is no distinct tonal centre. Among the most prominent composers of the Modern era, Igor Stravinsky (1882–1971) stands out with works such as “Rite of Spring” (1911–1913) and “Three Pieces for Clarinet” (1919). Arnold Schoenberg (1874–1951) contributed significantly to modern music with works such as String Quartet №1 (1904) and Five Orchestral Pieces, Op. 16 (1909). Aaron Copland (1900–1990) is best known for works like as “Fanfare for the Common Man” (1942) and “Appalachian Spring” (1944).

6. Postmodern Music

From 1945 until the present, postmodern music lives within the world of modernism while simultaneously going beyond it. A break with tradition and modernist conventions is what distinguishes postmodernism in music. It opposes not just established traditions, but even the notion of narrative music, favoring the investigation of “chance music” instead. Postmodern music does not conform to any one genre; each work may belong to a different genre, reflecting the period’s broad and eclectic nature. Experimenting with electronic instruments and software is still a popular pastime in postmodern music. Postmodern composers include John Cage (1912–1992), well known for avant-garde works such as “4'33”” (1952) and “Imaginary Landscape №4” (1951). With his landmark piece “Glassworks” (1982), Philip Glass (1937-) made important contributions to postmodern music. John Adams (1947-) is well known for his piece “Short Ride in a Fast Machine” (1986), which encapsulates postmodernism’s frenetic and rhythmic features.

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Reasons for listening to Classical Music

This is why the classical genre should still be listened to and appreciated. Numerous studies, such as the Mozart effect, have demonstrated the beneficial impacts of classical music on the way humans think. Therefore, this finding is significant. The structure and principles of classical music are drawn from and explainable by the natural laws of the cosmos, implying that music is at the heart of human beings. It binds humans across time since it is universal, timeless, historical, and cultural, and its complexity lends itself to comprehending similarly complicated human emotions. Finally, Western Art Music is aesthetically pleasing.

According to Lawrence Kramer, “it matters because it has made discoveries that we are far from done with.” It has conceived forms of experience that have become significant realities as a result of being imagined. Music of all genres invokes this bonding; classical music dramatizes and reflects on it in the process of invocation. The ability to do so is palpable and thrilling. It is this power that allows us to give meaning to the world. Other music has something to convey to us, but none of them tells us what this song does. It enriches us while also distinguishing us.

Of course, the more you listen to it, the more you like it. Not everything is apparent on the first or second listen, or without spending more time studying the musical language of the specific composer and the periods in which they composed. It’s complicated music. But, after all, it is music, so it is always there to be listened to without too many expectations or too much analysis. Allowing the music to speak for itself.

Conclusion

Classical music evolved following the Baroque period in the 17th and early 18th centuries and lasted from 1750 until 1820. Simpler materials, thinner textures, and a tendency for homophonic harmony characterize it. It has the following characteristics: simplicity, accessibility, contrasting moods, texture, themes, and melody. Classical music is significant because it has been demonstrated to have beneficial impacts on the human brain, it is universal, ageless, historical, and cultural, and its complexity lends itself to understanding similarly complex human emotions. It is visually attractive and has resulted in discoveries that we are still far from finished with. It has invented forms of experience that, as a result of being imagined, have become substantial realities.

Classical music’s power is apparent and exhilarating, as it dramatizes and reflects on it during the invocation process. It both nourishes and distinguishes us. It grows on you the more you listen to it. Not everything is obvious on the first or second hearing, or without spending more time researching the composer’s musical language and the periods in which they created. As a whole, classical music is an important and ageless genre of music that has a deep influence on human behavior and emotion. Because of its intricacy and beauty, it provides a valuable and lasting experience for all listeners.

REFERENCES

Brenner, M. (2019), ‘Why you should still listen to classical music’, Medium [Preprint].

Christian, I. (1991), Discovering Classical Music. Burghley Court, Burghley Road, London: Simply Classic Limited.

Clifton, T. (1983), Music as Heard: A Study in Applied Phenomenology. illustrate. Yale University Press.

Kramer, L. (2007), ‘Why classical music still matters’, Why Classical Music Still Matters, pp. 1–242. Available at: https://doi.org/10.5860/choice.45-1946.

Louie (2019), Historical Genres of Classical Musics, Prezi.

Musicnotes (2018) Musical Periods: The History of Classical Music, Musicnotes.

Tuncer, A. (2022), Characteristics of Classical Music, Musicianwave.

(Clifton, 1983; Christian, 1991; Kramer, 2007; Musicnotes, 2018; Brenner, 2019; Louie, 2019; Tuncer, 2022)