What is the difference between pop and classical music?

Answer 1

Pop Music is modern day music that a large amount of the population enjoys listening to. It is written quite recently and has almost no rules as to how it can sound. Classical Music can actually encompass three large periods of music (Baroque, Classical, and Romantic). It was written in the 1600's to the 1800's (Baroque was the earliest, then Classical, then Romantic). The rules were much more strict than they are now, especially in Baroque and Classical Music. Essentially, Pop Music is popular and modern. Classical music can possibly be considered the "pop" music of centuries ago.

Answer 2

Pop music is modern day music that a large amount of the population enjoys listening to. It is written quite recently and has almost no rules as to how it can sound. Classical music can actually encompass three large periods of music (Baroque, Classical, and Romantic). It was written in the 1600's to the 1800's (Baroque was the earliest, then Classical, then Romantic). The rules were much more strict than they are now, especially in Baroque and Classical music. Essentially, pop music is popular and modern. Classical music can possibly be considered the "pop" music of centuries ago.

Answer 3

That's a complex question and even experts don't always agree. Nearly all music can be divided into three groups:

1. art music which includes classical

2. popular music, including rock, jazz, metal, and so on

3. folk or traditional music, including polkas, hymns, marches, work songs, etc

The main difference is that classical music is documented as formal written notation, with no room for improvisation or embellishment when played as intended. In other words, the composer of a classical piece intends that in 100 years the music will be played the same way on very similar if not identical instruments (much in the same way a painter or sculptor hopes their work is still being displayed and in good repair in the future). By contrast, a popular or folk songwriter knows that other artists will put their own spin on their song every time it is performed or recorded.