Classical Music

Classical Music is music produced in, or rooted in the traditions of Western liturgical and secular music, covering a period from about the 9th century to date. In 1550 and 1900 this music became more codified encompassing many styles of music.

European music is a composition of other non-European and popular musical forms in existence since the 16th century. However classical music was not recognized until the early 19th century.

The roots of western classical music can be traced to early Christian lithurgical music and even further to the Ancient Greeks. Development of scales and tones was done by ancient Greeks such as Aristoxenus and Pythagoras the mathematician

It is difficult to describe the term `classical music' given the variety of styles, forms and genres and also the historical periods that should be taken to consideration. There are certain characteristics that contains in classical music which are not common in any other genres of music. Classical and popular music is differentiated not only with the type of music but also the type of instruments they use. Their use of several different instruments simultaneously which often contains five or so different types of string instruments including the violin, harp, cello, about four types of brass instruments, seven types of woodwind instruments and several percussion instruments, which may be as much as ten different types. Then of course the pianos, harpsichord and organs are essential to combine with the rest of the instruments and produce such excellent music. In operas there will be vocals as well. Pop music is limited to few instruments. The instruments used for classical music was invented prior to mid-19th century or even earlier.

In the 20th and 21st centuries the electric guitar appear occasionally. Classical music has experimented with electronic instruments such as the synthesizers, computer-generated sounds using electric and digital techniques, and music from other cultures such as the gamelan.

Classical music is expected to be performed with mastery of high music skills as that is the expectation of the composer and the audience. It requires sight reading, ability to coordinate with other players and the understanding of the composer's intellect to display the variation without being exact and repetitive. It requires much talent and commitment to be able to perform classical music.

Classical music is often linked to the upper class citizens as it is perceived that it is not affordable to all. This is not true as the CDs of classical music is affordable to anyone who is able to buy any kind of music. Everyone is exposed to classical music even unconsciously, as it has been used in advertisements, in movies and even as background music to popular.

Some of the eminent composers of classical music are:

Johann Stamitz
Franz Joseph Haydn
Wolfgang Amadeuz Mozart
Ludwig van Beethoven who became a composer from a servant to an artist.

Classical music is not confined to the western world but is prevalent in every country and culture. However, instruments used will differ from culture to culture and country to country.