"Classical music" and " musical classics" - two absolutely equivalent formulations, free from the framework of terminology, reflecting a vast layer of musical culture, its historical meaning and prospects for further development. Often the term “classical music” is replaced by the phrase “academic music”.
History of appearance
Regardless of the terminology, classical music has a very specific historical origin, associated with the late enlightenment period of the era of classicism. Poetry and drama of that time were based on the works of ancient authors, and this technique also affected musical culture. The trinity - time, action and place, was observed in the genre of opera and other musical styles associated with literary sources. Oratorios and cantatas bore the stamp of classicism, a kind of standard of the 17th-19th centuries. Opera performances were dominated by librettos based on the ancient period.
Becoming
Almost all genres classical music are somehow connected with the era of classicism. Composer Gluck was one of the most prominent followers in music; he managed to comply with all the canons of that time in his works. The era of the past was distinguished by a clear balanced logic, a clear plan, harmony and, most importantly, the completeness of a classical musical work. At the same time, a distinction was made between genres, when polyphony was gently but persistently rejected, and an almost mathematically verified definition of the genre took its place. Over time, the genres of classical music received a high degree of academic character.
In the opera, solo parts began to noticeably prevail over accompanying voices, whereas previously everyone participating in the performance had equal rights. The principle of dominance enriched the sound, the libretto took on a completely different form, and the performance became theatrical and operatic. Instrumental ensembles were also transformed, with solo instruments moving forward and accompanying instruments in the background.
directions and styles
During the period of late classicism, new musical “samples” were created. The genres of classical music became widespread at the end of the 18th century. Orchestral, ensemble, solo-vocal and especially symphonic groups followed new canons in music, while improvisation was kept to a minimum.
What genres of classical music stand out? The list is as follows:
- variations;
- symphonies;
- opera;
- instrumental concerts;
- cantatas;
- oratorios;
- preludes and fugues;
- sonatas;
- suites;
- toccatas;
- fantasies;
- organ music;
- nocturnes;
- vocal symphonies;
- brass music;
- overtures;
- musical masses;
- psalms;
- elegies;
- sketches;
- choir as a musical form.
Development
By the mid-18th century, orchestras were assembled on a random basis, and their composition determined the composer's work. The author of the music had to build his work for specific instruments, most often these were strings and not a large number of brass. Later, orchestras appeared on a permanent basis, quite unified, contributing to the development of the symphony genre and instrumental music. These orchestras already had a name, were constantly improving and touring within the nearest territories.
At the beginning of the 19th century, several new directions were added to the list of musical genres. These were concerts for clarinet and orchestra, organ and orchestra and other combinations. The so-called symphonietta also appeared, a brief one with the participation of the entire orchestra. Then the requiem became fashionable.
Composers of the classical era, Johann Sebastian Bach and his sons, Christoph Gluck, representatives of the Italian and Mannheim opera formed the Vienna classical school, which also included Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven. In the works of these masters, the classical forms of symphony, sonata, and instrumental pieces appeared. Later, chamber ensembles, piano trios, various string quartets and quintets arose.
The music of the end of the era of classicism smoothly transitioned into the next period, the time of romanticism. Many composers began to compose in a more free manner; their work continually went beyond the academic canons of the past. Gradually, the innovative aspirations of the masters were recognized as “exemplary”.
Test of time
The genres of classical music continued to develop, and in the end, evaluative criteria appeared to determine them, by which the degree of artistry of a work and its value in the future were determined. Music that has stood the test of time has always been included in the concert repertoire of almost all orchestras. This was the case with the works of Dmitry Shostakovich.
In the 19th century there was an attempt to classify certain categories of so-called classical music as genres. light music. We were talking about an operetta, which they hastened to call a “semi-classic”. However, this genre soon became completely independent, and artificial assimilation was not needed.
"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 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 the 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, features of creativity. In art there is a distinction between the style of the era (historical), the national style, 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 is clear expressed conflict, revealing itself 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 singing characters(each individual, or together, or in chorus) and the forces of the orchestra in the infinitely varied use of these forces, starting with simple support of the voice 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 individual situations , but also connects all the elements of the drama together, reveals the hidden springs of the behavior of the characters, their complex internal relationships, often directly expresses the main idea of the production.
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 a choir sounds, 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 and today are significant for each of us.
The dramaturgy of the opera is based on the conflictual confrontation between two forces, the development of contrasting musical themes: Russian songwriting 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 unfolds on stage peaceful life villagers and Susanin's family. 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 a 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, opens his Panama hat the terrible truth. 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.
Started with the opera new era in Russian musical art, the entire path of development was determined opera genre in Russia.
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 not dedicated to victories, which many have known Russian weapons, but a 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 - it begins solar eclipse. 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 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) allows you to feel the tragedy experienced by Prince Igor. He, like the simple peasant Ivan Susanin, is concerned about the fate of his homeland 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. 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 intricate patterns and memorable rhythms. The mesmerizing melody of the choir of Polovtsian slave girls sounds, which gives way to the warlike melody 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 authentic folk melodies, but it is permeated with folk intonations of the ancient song genres of lamentation, lamentation (lamentations).
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. Both in opera and ballet great importance has the sound of a symphony orchestra: 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 meet such in French words, as pas de deux (dance for two), pas de trois (dance for three), grand pas (grand 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. Character dances include movements common in folk and everyday culture. Classical dance- more conventional, rich 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 what the new one requires musical language 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 contains great amount 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 composition.
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 contemporary composers, who can safely be 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. From theatrical performance, where music acts as an auxiliary means, it is distinguished by the fact 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 distinctive feature, which lies in 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.
You can remember Mozart and his famous operas "The Marriage of Figaro", "Don Giovanni" and " magical flute", which still sound interesting and relevant today. Also, everyone knows Beethoven’s 9 symphonies.
No less famous organ works Bach or Verdi's operas. 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".
IN South Africa Another experiment was conducted, 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 due to the vibrations emanating from musical instruments, and the melodies and sounds themselves have no effect.
Many classical composers were crazy. For example, E. Satie ate only foods and dishes white, 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, today, in essence, it is a kind of elitist look art that is in demand among a relatively small number of people.
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 mid-19th century. Among them are solo instruments (organ, harpsichord, piano) and instruments intended for playing in an orchestra. In a typical way performance in classical music is 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. Are being invented different types bowed and keyboard instruments.
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. Heyday organ music, plucked, string 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. Defined further development musical composition. The form of the symphony is standardized. A form of performance such as a string quartet appeared.
Romanticism(mid-19th to 20th century)
Beethoven (Ludwig van Beethoven), Chopin (Fryderyk Chopin), Franz Schubert (Franz Peter Schubert), Tchaikovsky, Franz Liszt (Liszt Ferenc), Wagner (Richard Wagner) appear. Rapid development piano music in this period.
XX century
Famous names: Rachmaninoff, 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 others musical genres. For example, rock musicians very often use classical tonality. Classics carry perfect harmony and integrity.
The concept of “classical music” is a very vague concept in terms of terminology. In the generally accepted understanding, classical music is music that has stood the test of time and remains popular for many years after its creation.
IN historically The concept of “classical music” includes the musical tradition of classicism, or more precisely of the 18th and 19th centuries. Another periodical, which we will focus on, limits the period of classical music, when it originated, and the present time, when it still exists.
In the history of classical music, separate periods of development are distinguished.
Renaissance
The longest period in the history of classical music, spanning 1400-1600. I and the rapid development of art, which left in the world musical tradition the works of such composers as Thomas Luis de Victoria, Giovanni da Palestina, Thomas Tallis, and including the musical work of Shakespeare.
Baroque
The Baroque era (1600-1750), following the Renaissance, is characterized by more complex musical forms, the emergence of new genres, a variety of genres, polyphony. It was during the Baroque era that opera and steel flourished, which are listened to and inherited to this day: Johann Sebastian Bach, Antonio Vivaldi, George Frideric Handel.
Classicism
The era of classicism in the development of classical music is limited to the period of the 1750-1830s, with which the names are invariably associated Vienna school- Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven.
Franz Joseph Haydn
Within the era of classicism, a transitional period is distinguished, between the death of Johann Sebastian Bach in 1750 and mature creativity Mozart in the 1770s This period has its French name- "Galante".
In general, the music of classicism is characterized by harmony and balance, canonicity of forms, the emergence of sonata form and the development of symphonies, expansion of the orchestra, and greater emotionality of the works.
Romanticism
During the era of romanticism, the forms, genres and ideas of classical music actively developed. The works of this period are characterized by emotional expressiveness and drama. It was at this time that many song genres, in particular ballads, began to develop. Music was especially popular, for example, works by Chopin and Liszt.
Franz Liszt
Among the composers of Romantic music, Beethoven is distinguished, first of all, who is considered rather a predecessor of Romanticism along with Cherubini. Later, the musical traditions they established were inherited by Schubert, Wagner, Tchaikovsky...
Classical music of the 20th century
In the 20th century, classical music is characterized by a penchant for experimentation, which is not limited by anything other than the will and imagination of the composer himself. Concepts such as atonalism (or atonality, that is, the rejection of the logic of tonality) and aleatorics (a random sequence of elements in a composition) arose.
Among the composers of the 20th century, the works of Rachmaninoff, Britten, Glass, Stravinsky, and Bernstein are classified as classical music.
Contemporary classical music is often confused with post-classical music. Indeed, the boundaries between musical styles The 20th century is so blurred that it is sometimes very difficult to attribute a certain work to a particular style.