The term "classical music" is a little confusing.
Most of us say "classical music" when we
mean music that is not "popular". The more meticulous
ones among us refer to music written in the Classical
Period
in the history of music. This review of music refers to what we call "art
music" throughout all its periods (of course, this bears no disrespect
for jazz
or folk
music as "non-artistic").
Indeed, classical music has developed especially vigorously
since the Classical period, when the sonata form
became predominant, and according to which symphony,
string quartet
and chamber sonatas
were designed. At the same time, the piano
became the main keyboard instrument, at the expense of the harpsichord
and organ
that both lost their former centrality in musical creation. Nevertheless,
it is important to mention that ancient music,
and especially that of Renaissance
and Baroque,
is fascinating and significant; listening to this music teaches the sophistication
and knowledge that stood at the base of creation during those eras. Different
trends prevailed in Western music in different times, and opinions, fashions
and technological developments of musical instruments clearly influenced
the art of composition.
Music performed by a small ensemble and usually in a
small salon, room or small concert halls. Although it can equally apply
to vocal
music, the term is usually applied to instrumental music for ensembles
for three to eight players, such as the string quartet,
the piano trio
and the string quintet.
Symphonic music
Music performed by a symphonic
orchestra,
which is a large orchestra that includes string,
woodwind,
and percussion
instruments. This kind of orchestra usually plays musical forms such as
the symphony
and symphonic poems.
Early music
European music from the Middle
Ages
up to the Renaissance
and even Baroque
periods, especially with the use of authentic instruments and early playing
techniques. Many consorts and ensembles were formed throughout the world,
in order to perform and record 'early music' in an authentic manner.
National music, Nationalism
Music meant to express the spirit of the composer's people,
and affected by its folk
music. In the middle of the 19th century, composers from the Nationalist
movement in music, such as Smetana,
Grieg,
Dvorak,
and Bartok,
became eager for their music to embody elements from their nationalities.
Vocal music
Music composed or arranged for singing, in a vocal
consort, choir
or solo.
Sacred music, liturgical music
Music is usually a part of the ritual of every religion.
Sacred music is intended for performance as part of the services of worship.
Singing of prayers is a main part of the Christian tradition, since the
Middle Ages,
when the Gregorian chant,
the mass,
the motet,
and the choral
became an integral part of church services. This is also the case
of the Anglican anthem
and the Lutheran cantata.
Many of these liturgical works became part of the regular classical music
repertoire and are performed all over the world, with no religious boundaries.