What is classical music usually about?

Answer 1

That is a question. Myself can give an exact answer.

A dictionary-like answer could be: European artistic movement in music lasting between 17th century and Beethoven's years (beginning of Romanticism). The problem with that kind of definitions is that there's a LOT of composers that are out. If we start analizying, we could find classical composer even at the beginning of 20th century. And others in the same year are everything but classical.

We could think that is all music played by an orchestra. Definitely no. Think of some films music or rock bands playing 'symphonic rock' (that really doesn't exist).

Some others (mainly old-age people) think of it like an elite music. And, obviously, current musicians don't like that idea (like Pavarotti). It's, definitely, a complex kind of music and not as simple as Pop Music. But we can also think about Für Elise and Pachelbel's Canon in D major. They're extremely simple and popular.

Sorry if I can't give an exact answer (AND if you didn't get a word of what I wrote. I'm chilean). It's more like... a discussion.

AnswerOK, I'll have a go at this. First, it depends on context. On occasion, this phrase will be used to refer to music of the Classical Period (1750 to 1825, give or take). More commonly, the phrase is used to refer to all "serious music," or "art music." These are both bad terms, because there are other musics that are serious and that are art.

In short, it is difficult to pinpoint a good phrase to refer to all of what is referred to as classical.

That said, I'm going to give it a try. No matter what I say, there are going to be some exceptions, but I'm going to give a list of characteristics that tend to be common in this style:

It is composed, not improvised.

It is written with the intention of being performed by trained musicians.

Its forms are more complex, and lines more intricate, than most popular music.

There is a good deal of emphasis on nuance and subtlety.

It typically contains a good deal of contrast in dynamics, tempo, etc.

This is by no means an exhaustive or authoritative list. Perhaps someone else can add to it. But I think it's a least a good start.

Answer 2

'Classical Music' is a broad term generally applied to all Western Classical music, and more recently any purely instrumental or operatic music. In most cases, and as such, classical music does not usually contain words or lyrics, so the content is largely based on interpretation. Some works, like Saint-Saens 'Dance Macabre,' for instance, are based around particular topics, or even literary or artistic works. There are many such forms - symphonic poems, operas, oratorios, etc. Oratorios always cover religious or sacred topics, while operas can cover almost anything.