Very often you hear the term “classic” or “classic”. But what is the meaning of this word?

Classic is...

The word "classic" has several meanings. Most explanatory dictionaries offer one of them - works of the classics: literature, music, painting or architecture. This word is also used in relation to some examples of art, for example, “classics of the genre.” However, most often this term is mentioned as an indication of a specific time period in the development of this or that, not forgetting that only a few, the most successful ones, are considered classical authors. In literature, everything that was written in the 18th and 19th centuries is considered a classic. In the 20th century, classics give way to modernity. Many modernist writers sought to destroy the previous tradition and tried to find a new form, themes, and content. Others, on the contrary, used the works of their predecessors for their own purposes. Thus, postmodern works are full of allusions and reminiscences.

Classic is something that will always be in fashion. This is a certain sample that shapes our worldview, which reflects all the characteristic features of a nation of a particular time.

Which writers can be called classics?

As noted above, not every author is included in the ranks of classics, but only those whose work had a significant impact on the development of Russian culture. Perhaps the first classical writers who left a significant mark on the world are Lomonosov and Derzhavin.

Mikhail Vasilievich Lomonosov

His literary work dates back to the first half of the 18th century. He became the founder of such a movement as classicism, so it is impossible not to classify him as a classic of the time. Lomonosov made a huge contribution not only to literature, but also to linguistics (having identified three styles in his native language), as well as to chemistry, physics and mathematics. His most significant works: “Morning/Evening Reflection on the Majesty of God”, “Ode on the Day of the Ascension...”, “Conversation with Anacreon”, “Letter on the Benefits of Glass”. It should be noted that most of Lomonosov’s poetic texts were imitative in nature. In his work, Mikhail Vasilyevich was guided by Horace and other ancient authors.

Gavrila Romanovich Derzhavin

Writers of the second half of the 19th century

Among the poets, F.I. Tyutchev and A.A. Fet should be especially highlighted. It was they who marked all the poetry of the second half of the 19th century. Among the prose writers are such bright figures as I. S. Turgenev, F. M. Dostoevsky, L. N. Tolstoy, A. P. Chekhov and others. The works of this period are full of psychological research. Each of the realistic novels opens up to us an extraordinary world, where all the characters are drawn vividly and vitally. It is impossible to read these books and not think about something. Classics are a depth of thought, a flight of fantasy, a role model. No matter how sophisticated the modernists are in saying that art should be kept apart from morality, the works of classical writers teach us the most beautiful things in life.

"Classic and modern"

Classics (from the Latin classicus - perfect, exemplary, first-class) are those works of art that, regardless of when they were written, are the best and continue to excite many generations of people. They have received general recognition and have lasting value for national and world culture. These works meet the highest artistic requirements; they combine depth of content with perfection of form.

Classical art is called ancient art (the art of Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome), as well as the art of the Renaissance and classicism.

In addition, the concept of classical music is applied to the work of the world's greatest composers. Works created in the distant past and modern works can be called classical.

Classics are often contrasted with new movements in art, the achievements of which have not yet stood the test of time. Contemporaries can often make mistakes in their assessment of musical works. There are many examples of how works that did not receive recognition during the lifetime of the authors later became classics and entered the golden fund of world musical art. What yesterday was perceived as a daring challenge to classical art, today can be considered a classic. An example of this is the creativity of S. Prokofiev, R. Shchedrin, A. Schnittke and others.

There is also the concept of a classic of the genre. In this case, works of light music are called classical: jazz, pop, rock music. However

the life of many works that have gained wide popularity at some point may turn out to be short-lived if they do not have high artistic merit.

In order to learn to understand all the diversity of music, one must strive to understand the content of the work, its figurative structure, belonging to a certain style, artistic direction.

The word style (from the Greek stylos, literally a writing stick) means handwriting, including the author’s, a set of characteristic features, techniques, methods, and features of creativity. In art, there is a distinction between the style of the era (historical), the national style, and the individual style - the style of the composer and even a specific performer.

Nowadays, musicians' interest in the classical music of the past is growing. Its new versions, interpretations, and adaptations appear, which attract modern listeners to it. Thanks to our acquaintance with music of different styles, we have the opportunity to enter into dialogue both with our peers and with people of the distant past - as if to visit different times.

In musical theatre.

Dramaturgy, dramatic - these words are derived from the word drama. But they are also used to characterize music, which generally conveys a person’s experiences: suffering, confusion, anxiety, protest, indignation, etc. These feelings most often manifest themselves in people in clashes, disputes, and conflicts. This is what the dramaturgy and musical performance is based on.

Musical dramaturgy - the system will express. means and techniques for embodying dramatic action in musical and stage works. genre (opera, ballet, operetta). Musical dramaturgy is based on the general laws of drama as one of the art forms: the presence of a clearly expressed conflict, revealed in the struggle between the forces of action and reaction, a certain sequence of stages in the disclosure of dramas. concept (exposition, plot, development, climax, denouement), etc.

Opera (from Italian opera - work, composition) arose in Italy at the turn of the 16th-17th centuries. Opera, by definition, is “a stage performance in which the action taking place on stage is expressed by music, that is, by the singing of the characters (each individually, or together, or in chorus) and the forces of the orchestra in an infinitely varied application of these forces, starting with simple support voices and ending with the most complex symphonic combinations." Music is the main generalizing means, the bearer of end-to-end action; it not only comments on the department. situations, but also connects all the elements of the drama together, reveals the hidden springs of the action’s behavior. persons, their complex internal relationships, often directly expresses the main idea of ​​the work.

Operas can be epic, lyrical, dramatic, or comic.

Operas have a long life, based on an interesting libretto and expressive music that most fully reveals the characters' characters.

According to the laws of the theater, opera is divided into actions (acts), actions into pictures, and pictures into scenes.

Typically, an opera opens with an introduction, or overture, which expresses the idea of ​​the performance. The main characteristics of the main characters of the opera are aria, song, cavatina, duet, trio, etc., in which the feelings and experiences of the characters are embodied in memorable melodies. “Half-singing, half-speech” is called recitative.

One of the peculiarities of the opera is that its characters sometimes sing their own parts at the same time. This is how the composer reveals the thoughts and feelings of his characters in an ensemble - a harmonious joint sound. In crowd scenes there is a choir, which often acts as one of the main

characters of the opera or comments on what is happening on stage. Depending on the plot, the time of creation of the opera and the capabilities of the theater, the opera may contain dances and even ballet scenes.

The role of the orchestra in opera is extremely important. He accompanies the singers and chorus, acts as an equal partner of the characters in the opera, and sometimes as an independent character. The orchestral episodes (gnomeres) of the opera help listeners understand the main lines of development of the action.

Opera "Ivan Susanin".

The opera () "Ivan Susanin" ("Life for the Tsar") evokes in many generations of listeners a feeling of involvement in the history of their people. It reveals the greatness of the soul of Ivan Susanin - a citizen devoted to the Motherland, a father who loves his family. These human qualities are still significant for each of us today.

The dramaturgy of the opera is based on the conflictual confrontation between two forces, the development of contrasting musical themes: Russian song and Polish dance and instrumental music.

The opera consists of four acts and an epilogue.

The action takes place in the autumn of 1612 and winter of 1613.

(Act 1 - in the village of Domnino, Act 2 - in Poland, Act 3 - in Susanin’s hut, Act 4 - in the forests, epilogue - in Moscow on Red Square).

In the introduction (introduction to the opera), the chorus “My Motherland” sounds, which embodies the unyielding will of the Russian people to victory.

Act 1: A picture of the peaceful life of the villagers and Susanin’s family unfolds on stage. The peasants of the village of Domnino joyfully greet the militia. Only Antonida is sad. She is waiting for the return of her fiancé, Bogdan Sobinin, who has gone with his retinue to destroy the Polish gentry. Her cavatina is full of sincerity and tenderness, and her elegant, lively rondo reveals the bright, joyful world of girlish dreams: “Every morning, every evening, I look forward to meeting my dear friend.” Susanin understands his daughter’s feelings, but he wants to prepare her for the trials that this difficult time brings. Now is not the time to think about marriage. Suddenly a song comes from the river. This is Sobiin returning with his squad. He brought good news: Minin and Pozharsky led the Russian army, and military people were flocking to them from all over. The peasants are rejoicing: the hour of liberation is near. Susanin's decision to postpone the wedding upsets Sobinin: after all, he returned to his native village for the wedding. At first Susanin is adamant, but upon learning that the enemies are besieged in Moscow, he agrees.

Act 2: Here a generalized image of the Polish conquerors anticipating victory is revealed. In the ancient Polish castle of King Sigismund III, the arrogant nobility, confident in their victory, blithely feasts. The brightly lit hall is full of enjoying guests. Suddenly the dancing is interrupted by the appearance of a messenger. He reports on the defeat of the mercenary troops and the siege of the Polish detachment in Moscow. The nobility is in turmoil. The knights are getting ready for battle, boastfully rattling their weapons, vowing to conquer the “hated smerds.”

Act 3: In Susanin’s house they are preparing for the wedding of Antonida and Sobinin. Susanin's adopted son Vanya dreams of going with Sobinin against the Poles. The peasants who entered congratulate the bride and groom, Susanin invites them to the wedding. Suddenly a horse's tramp is heard. The door swings open and the Poles enter the hut. They need a guide to get to Moscow. It is in vain that Susanin’s enemies persuade him - he will not become a traitor. Then the Poles offer Susanin gold. Unexpectedly, Susanin agrees: he is struck by the idea of ​​leading the Poles into an impenetrable forest thicket. Secretly from his enemies, he sends Vanya to warn Minin about the danger and leaves with the Poles. Having learned about what happened, Sobinin and his squad rush off in pursuit of their enemies.

The drama of emotional experiences is conveyed by Antonida’s romance (“I’m not mourning for that, girlfriends”), which is woven into the simple melody of the wedding choir of girlfriends.

Vanya informs the Russian soldiers about the arrival of the Polish detachment. The warriors are determined to defeat the enemies and save Susanin. Led by Minin, they advance to meet the enemy.

Act 4: Tired, frozen Poles wander through a dense, impenetrable forest. Enemies suspect that Susanin has lost his way. Finally the detachment stops for a rest, the Poles fall asleep. Susanin is not sleeping. He knows that death awaits him: the Poles sense the truth. It was hard to die, but he fulfilled his duty. Susanin's recitative and aria sound. A blizzard rises, and in the whistle of the wind Susanin imagines the voices of children. It's getting brighter. The awakened Poles are horrified to realize that they will not be able to get out of the deep forest wilds. Susanin, triumphant, reveals the terrible truth to the panam. The enraged Poles kill him.

Epilogue: In Moscow, on Red Square, people welcome Russian troops. Vanya, Antonida and Sobinin are also here. The people celebrate the liberation and glorify the heroes who gave their lives for the victory over the enemy. The final chorus “Glory!”, written in the spirit of a victorious folk cant, radiates light and conveys the triumph and jubilation of the people.

Premiere - November 27 (December 9), 1836 at the St. Petersburg Bolshoi Theater.

A new era in Russian musical art began with opera, and the entire path of development of the opera genre in Russia was determined.

Opera "Prince Igor"

The opera "Prince Igor" (), a member of the community of Russian composers The Mighty Handful, is also dedicated to the pages of Russian history. The plot of the opera is based on the patriotic poem of Ancient Rus' "The Tale of Igor's Campaign", supplemented by other historical documents and chronicles. It is dedicated not to victories, of which Russian weapons had many, but to defeat, as a result of which the prince was captured and his squad was destroyed.

The dramaturgy of the opera is based on a comparison of two opposing worlds, two forces: the Russians - Prince Igor with his son Vladimir and his squad, Princess Yaroslavna, her brother Vladimir Galitsky, and the Polovtsians - Khan Konchak, his warriors.

The action takes place: in the prologue, in the first and fourth acts - in the city of Putivl, in the second and third acts - in the Polovtsian camp.

Time: 1185

Prologue. In the ancient Russian city of Putivl, Prince Igor and his retinue are preparing to go on a campaign against the Polovtsians. The people solemnly glorify the prince - the chorus “Glory to the Red Sun!” Suddenly the earth is enveloped in darkness - a solar eclipse begins. Seeing this as an unkind omen, the people and boyars dissuade Igor; His wife Yaroslavna also begs the prince to stay. But Igor is adamant. Having entrusted the care of his wife to her brother Vladimir Galitsky, he leads his friends into battle with the enemy.

Act 1: Galitsky took advantage of Igor’s departure. Together with his servants, he reveles and riots; The riotous feast is dominated by the drunken whistlers Skula and Eroshka, the troops who fled from Igor. Galitsky cherishes the dream of becoming a prince in Putivl, but in the meantime he oppresses the residents in every possible way. Having boldly kidnapped the girl, the prince drives away his girlfriends who came to ask for her release.

The girls seek protection from the arrogant offender from Yaroslavna. But, despite all her determination and firmness, the princess is unable to cope with her brother. The boyars bring bad news: in an unequal battle the entire army was killed, Igor was wounded and taken prisoner along with his son, and hordes of Polovtsians were approaching Putivl. An alarm bell is heard, announcing an enemy invasion.

Act 2: Evening in the Polovtsian camp. Polovtsian girls entertain the khan's daughter Konchakovna with songs and dances. But only a joyful meeting with her beloved prince Vladimir dispelled the beauty's sadness. Igor is in deep thought.

The image of Prince Igor is most clearly revealed by the composer in his aria. Nothing pleases the prince; he is tormented by thoughts of an inglorious defeat, the fate of people close to him, and thoughts about his Motherland. Prince Igor's aria opens with a short introduction by the orchestra. Heavy chords convey the hero’s mental torment. The introduction is followed by a recitative-meditation (“No sleep, no rest for the tormented soul...”). Pictures flash before Prince Igor's mind's eye: an eclipse of the sun (a harbinger of misfortune), the bitterness of defeat, the shame of captivity. A passionate appeal sounds in the music of the aria (“Oh, give, give me freedom...”). A noble melody, full of deep soulfulness and warmth, is connected in Prince Igor’s aria with memories of his wife, Yaroslavna, a faithful and beloved friend (the middle section of the aria). All of the listed episodes of the aria allow us to feel the tragedy experienced by Prince Igor. He, like the simple peasant Ivan Susanin, is concerned about the fate of his Motherland and strives to protect it with all his might.

Faithful Ovlur offers him escape. Igor dreams of breaking out of captivity, but hesitates - it is not proper for a Russian prince to escape secretly. The warlike Khan Konchak admired his nobility and courage. He receives Igor as an honored guest. The Khan is even ready to let him go if Igor gives his word not to raise a sword against the Polovtsians. But Igor boldly declares that, having gained freedom, he will again assemble regiments for the khan. To dispel the prince’s gloomy thoughts, Konchak orders the slave girls to sing and dance.

With special skill, the composer reproduces the oriental flavor of music, creating melodies colored with fancy patterns and memorable rhythms. the mesmerizing melody of the choir of Polovtsian slave girls sounds, which gives way to the warlike voice of men. IT is picked up by a chorus of Polovtsians praising the Khan (Polovtsian dances)

Act 3: The Khan’s army returns with rich booty. Having learned from them about the misfortune that befell his native Putivl, Igor decides to escape and, when the guards fall asleep, he comes to an agreement with Ovlur. Konchakovna, who overheard this conversation, begs Vladimir not to leave her. But love fights in the prince’s soul with a sense of duty. Then Konchakovna awakens the sleeping camp and detains Vladimir; Igor manages to escape. The angry khans demand the death of the prince, but Konchak declares Vladimir his son-in-law.

Act 4: Early in the morning in Putivl, Yaroslavna is crying bitterly on the city wall (Yaroslavna’s Lament). In the musical characterization of Yaroslavna, the composer did not use truly folk melodies, but it is permeated with folk intonations of the ancient song genres of lamentation and lamentation.

Yaroslavna turns to the wind, the sun, and the Dnieper with a prayer to return dear Igor to her. Riders appear in the distance. This is Igor, accompanied by Ovlur. The stunned Skula and Eroshka see them. The resourceful Skula offers to ring the bell to be the first to notify the people of the prince’s return. The trick succeeds. To celebrate, the honkers are forgiven. Together with the people they greet Igor.

In musical theatre.

Ballet (from Italian balleto - dance) arose during the Renaissance in the 14th - 15th centuries. in Italy. At this time, they begin to distinguish between everyday dances as part of the way of life, intended for entertainment, and stage dances.

Ballet is a musical and dramatic work in which the action is conveyed through dance and pantomime. They perform a role similar to singing in opera. In both opera and ballet, the sound of a symphony orchestra is of great importance: the music connects all the elements of the drama together and, revealing the complex internal relationships of the characters, expresses the main idea of ​​the work.

While reading the program of a ballet performance, spectators can come across such French words as pas de deux (dance for two), pas de trois (dance for three), grand pas (big dance). This is what individual ballet numbers are called. And the beautiful Italian word adagio, which denotes the tempo of the music, is used in ballet to describe the slow lyrical dance of the main characters.

The main types of dance in a ballet performance are classical and character. Characteristic dances include movements common in folk and everyday culture. Classical dance is more conventional, rich in figurative symbolism; its peculiarity is that it is performed on pointe shoes.

The director of a ballet performance is a choreographer (from German - balletmeister), who develops the overall dramaturgy of the performance, thinks through the “drawing” of the dance, gestures and plastic solutions for the images.

An important role in a ballet performance belongs to the conductor of a symphony orchestra. The main thing in his work is the ability to realize the composer’s plan, reveal the style of the work, combining them with the idea of ​​the choreographer, the individuality of the solo dancers and the skill of the corps de ballet performing mass dance scenes.

A modern ballet performance differs in many ways from a classical one. It may include rhythmic dances, pantomime, elements of acrobatics, light and sound effects, original scenery and costumes, and even singing (choirs). This is required by the new musical language of modern ballet.

Music is one of the most ancient forms of art, which over time not only has not lost its relevance, but has become even more in demand and popular. Of course, it has a huge number of genres, types, directions and schools.

One of the largest movements in this art is classical music. There is a wide variety of types, which have been formed over several hundred years.

Concept

Before we start talking about the genres of classical music, we need to understand what exactly this term means.

Strictly speaking, it has no clearly defined meaning or definition, so it is used in a rather loose form and can have different meanings depending on the context.

Most often it is used as a synonym for "academic". This is a kind of canon from which any musical work should start.

Genres of classical music: history and modernity

Its appearance is associated with the era of European classicism. It was then that this direction in art was formed. It was based on the works of ancient authors and playwrights.

This is where the key principles of classicism emerged, which can be formulated as balance, logic, clarity, harmony and completeness of the work, genre differentiation. As for music, all of them could only be realized in such genres as opera, oratorio and cantata.

Gradually, the musical directions of classical music developed, became more complex, rich and deviated from the primary canons.

Among the most prominent composers who specialized in works in this genre are J. S. Bach, A. Vivaldi, G. Rossini, G. Verdi, W. A. ​​Mozart and L. van Beethoven. The names of these great creators are known all over the world. Most people associate the very concept of “classical music” with the works of these cultural figures.

Today this type of art cannot be called dominant. But classical music is still popular and quite in demand among narrow circles of connoisseurs. Among modern composers who can be safely counted among the talented and recognized masters of their craft, we should highlight Ludovico Einaudi, Philip Glass, Hans Zimmer, Li Ru Ma, etc.

Classical music genres: list

Over the centuries-old history of development, a large number of different genres and subgenres have formed. Many of them are not popular today, but some remain afloat today.

Let's look at what genres there are in classical music:

• Opera.
• Operetta.
• Cantata.
• Oratorio.
• Symphony.
• Sonata.
• Suite.
• Overture, etc.

Of course, there are many more. Only the main ones are listed here. There is no need to talk about the features and distinctive features of each of them within the framework of this article, but it is still worth considering some in more detail.

Features of genres

First of all, it is worth considering the opera. After all, this is one of the first and most popular elements of the classics as such. Opera is a musical and dramatic work that is formed from a textual component, action on stage and musical accompaniment. It differs from a theatrical performance, where music is an auxiliary means, in that in it the melody plays a key role, shaping the entire work.

The suite is one of the key elements of classical music. According to the description, the genre has a distinctive feature, which is its cyclical nature. In other words, it consists of several separate parts, in which the musical sound can vary greatly and even contrast with each other.

An example of a classical genre of music is also a sonata, which is a piece of music for a chamber orchestra. According to the canon, piano is almost always present in it. As a rule, it is composed for solo performance or duet, but there are, of course, exceptions.

Examples of famous works

Over the long period of existence of classical music, a huge number of works have appeared that are known throughout the world.

One can recall Mozart and his famous operas “The Marriage of Figaro”, “Don Giovanni” and “The Magic Flute”, which still sound interesting and relevant today. Everyone also knows Beethoven's 9 symphonies.

No less famous are the organ works of Bach or the operas of Verdi. No one will doubt their talent and genius. These creators are rightfully considered the best of their kind.

However, among modern composers there are also many performers, and the works of some of them are already considered masterpieces. For example, the outstanding contemporary composer Hans Zimmer often works with world-class films, composing soundtracks for them. He worked on music for such films as “The Lion King”, “Spirit: Soul of the Prairie”, “Inception”, “Interstellar”, “Dunkirk” and many others.

What genres there are in classical music were described above, and now some interesting facts.

A 2015 study by Italian scientists proved that listening to Mozart's compositions stimulates the brain to be more active. Some of Beethoven's works have the opposite effect on his activity. The process of increasing brain activity has been called the "Mozart Effect."

Another experiment was conducted in South Africa, the purpose of which was to identify the effect of classical music on plants. As it turned out, from listening to Vivaldi’s melodies they grew a little faster, and their health also improved a little. However, scientists claim that the beneficial effect was achieved thanks to the vibrations emanating from musical instruments, and the melodies and sounds themselves do not have any effect.

Many classical composers were crazy. For example, E. Satie ate only white foods and dishes, and for self-defense he always carried a hammer with him. A. Bruckner was fanatical about things and constantly counted everything; there are cases when he took out the skulls of Schubert and Beethoven from the coffins. Mozart also had very serious behavioral deviations: he loved to behave like a cat, even during rehearsals.

Finally

All the numerous genres of classical music exist and develop to this day. Among modern composers there are practically no zealous conservatives left who strictly follow the canons of this art form. Almost all of them strive to bring something of their own to the genre, make it better, adapt it to their needs and modern realities.

Of course, most people prefer musical styles other than classical music. Therefore, in fact, today it is a kind of elitist art form that is in demand among a relatively small number of people.

Classical music... Everyone understands this phrase in their own way. For some, classical music is the cantatas and oratorios of Bach, while for others it is the airy, light melodies of Mozart. Some people immediately remember the fiery polkas of Chopin, some of the cheerful waltzes of Strauss, and some of the frantic symphonies of Shostakovich. So, what is classical music? Who is right?

The word “classic” comes from the Latin word “classicus”, which means exemplary. If you turn to the music encyclopedia, there are several definitions of classical music:

• a piece of music that was written in a certain historical period;
• musical exemplary works written by outstanding composers of the past and withstood the test of time;
• a musical work that was written according to certain rules and canons in compliance with all proportions, and intended for performance by an ensemble, symphony orchestra or soloists.

Classical music can be divided into genres: sonata, symphony, nocturnes, etudes, fugues, fantasies, ballets, operas and sacred music. Instruments used to perform classical music include keyboards, strings, brass and percussion, namely piano, violin, cello, oboe, flute, timpani, trumpet, drum, dulcimer and organ. And by the way, it is the organ that is the founder of classical music, because one of its origins dates back to the sixteenth century, that is, from the Renaissance, and its heyday is considered to be the Baroque era, that is, the seventeenth century. Since it was at that time that such musical genres as opera and sonata appeared, which are still relevant today. Johann Sebastian Bach, the greatest genius in the history of music, worked in the Baroque era. After all, it was this very talented person who opened up limitless new possibilities for creating musical works. The music of that era was characterized by complexity, elaborate forms, pomp and emotional fullness. At that time, Handel's oratorios, Bach's fugues and Vivaldi's "Seasons" violin concertos were born.

Epochs succeeded each other, times changed, and people changed along with them - the music became different. Pretentiousness and pomp were replaced by light, beautiful, elegant and airy music. And probably everyone has already guessed that these are works by Mozart, a brilliant and inimitable musician. Synonyms for his melodies are harmony and beauty. He, like a swift comet, flew over the era of Classicism, leaving it forever with a bright light.

In conclusion, we can say that classical music is eternal. This is harmonious and beautiful music, the main feature of which is the combination of the depth of conveyed experiences, excitement with a variety of musical techniques.

Concept "classical music"(English) classic music) is very broad and multifaceted. Usually this term refers to music of the past that has stood the test of time and has an audience of listeners in our time. Classical music is the best examples of musical art of various genres. As a rule, they are based on “academic” genres and forms: symphony, opera, oratorio, sonata, prelude, suite, overture, etc. These genres were formed in Europe in the 17th-19th centuries and are based on melodic and harmonic principles.

The main instruments used in classical music appeared before the mid-19th century. Among them are solo instruments (organ, harpsichord, piano) and instruments intended for playing in an orchestra. The typical performance method in classical music is a symphony orchestra. It includes wood, strings, brass and percussion instruments.

Milestones in the history of classical music:

Antiquity(up to 400 years)

Middle Ages(400-1400 years)

At this time, the main musical figures were troubadours and trouvères (Adam de la Halle), minnesingers (Walter von der Vogelweide, Wolfram von Eschenbach) and clergy. The musical staff was invented (Benedictine Guido (Guido d'Arezzo).

Renaissance(XV-XVII centuries)

The main composers of that time are Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, Thomas Tallis and Tomás Luis de Victoria. Different types of bowed and keyboard instruments are invented.

Baroque(XVII-mid-XVIII centuries)

Famous names: Johann Sebastian Bach, Antonio Lucio Vivaldi, George Frideric Handel and Henry Purcell. Based forms: opera, oratorio, toccata, fugue, sonata, suite, overture, concerto. The flourishing of organ music, plucked strings, and woodwind instruments.

Classicism(mid-18th-mid-19th centuries)

This period is associated with brilliant musical talents: Mozart (Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart), early Beethoven (Ludwig van Beethoven), Franz Joseph Haydn. The further development of musical composition was determined. The form of the symphony is standardized. A form of performance such as a string quartet appeared.

Romanticism(mid-19th to 20th centuries)

Beethoven (Ludwig van Beethoven), Chopin (Fryderyk Chopin), Franz Schubert (Franz Peter Schubert), Tchaikovsky, Franz Liszt (Liszt Ferenc), Wagner (Richard Wagner) appear. The rapid development of piano music during this period.

XX century

Famous names: Rachmaninov, Stravinsky, Leonard Bernstein, Benjamin Britten and Philip Glass.

Contemporary academic music(conditionally since 1975)

It is distinguished by its synthesis of elements of classical music with electronic music. Some of the best contemporary composers: Alfred Schnittke, Karlheinz Stockhausen, S.A. Gubaidulina, Ligeti, E.V. Denisov, Hisaishi Joe, Nicholas Hooper , Jerry Goldsmith, Yann Tiersen, Ludovico Einaudi, David Arnold, John Barry, Steve Jablonsky, John Williams, Howard Leslie Shore, Hans Florian Zimmer, Akira Yamaoka and others.

Classical music continues to develop in modern times, influencing other musical genres. For example, rock musicians very often use classical tonality. Classics carry perfect harmony and integrity.