Classical music history represents a shift away from the heavier Baroque style. It may be nice to hear the soaring and achingly beautiful music inspired by the Classical period, but understanding its back story gives Classical music an added richness.
The Difference Between Classical Music And Its Predecessor
Classical music was born around 1750 in Vienna, Austria. It is also known as the Viennese Classic Period because so many of its influential composers worked in Vienna. These composers include Joseph Haydn, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Ludwig van Beethoven. The Classical period reflected a noticeable shift away from its predecessor, the Baroque period. Where Baroque was defined as harsher, heavier and unrefined, Classical was softer, simpler and clearer. The word "Baroque" is Portuguese for "misshapen pearl." Classical music, on the other hand, sought to refine the pearl.
Some listeners find it difficult to differentiate Classical and Baroque music. The term "Classical" is mistakenly applied to both. A key difference is that music in the Baroque period was considered an accompaniment to a vocalist. During the Classical period, the music took center stage. It's interesting to note that Baroque music is most closely tied to opera, which developed into its current form during the Baroque period. Baroque music's main intent was to convey a specific story, and Classical music's intent was to express a universal emotion. For all their differences, the two periods share a sense of formality and elegance.
Influential Composers
Joseph Haydn, also called "the father of the string quartet," was key to the evolution of Baroque into Classical. Although Haydn's name isn't as well known as the names of other composers, there's no doubt that Haydn influenced Mozart as his close friend and Beethoven as his teacher. Haydn's ability to compose delightful and inspiring symphonies also earned him the title "the father of the symphony."
However, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is easily the most dominant figure of Classical music. Mozart is responsible for creating the piano concerto, which was a careful balance between orchestra and piano solos. He was incredibly prolific and wrote symphonies and operas, including "The Magic Flute"-all before his death at age 35.
Although Classical music has a reputation for being stuffy and rigid, it was revolutionary in its own way. The innovations that began in Classical music still live on, inspiring musicians to tackle the pieces composed by Haydn, Mozart and others so long ago.
 | The characteristics of Classical music, such as a balanced melody and a regular rhythm, help distinguish this musical genre from the Baroque and Romantic styles. |
 | If you are new at listening to Classical music, simply listen to the music around you. Much of the music you hear in your daily life is adapted from Classical pieces or relies on Classical traditions. |
Indian Classical music isn't just an interpretation of Western music. Instead, this music is composed to have a deeper mental and emotional impact. |
The famous Classical composers Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven are so beloved because of their intelligence, their inventiveness and their ability to capture human emotion through music. |
The idea of classical music as a canon of great works of the past arose after economic calamity crippled concert organizations and caused publishers to turn to music with mass appeal. Lovers of artistic sophistication had no new music of their own. |
