Classical Music

Art music from Western culture between the 16th and early 20th centuries.

art music Western classical music

Classical music is a broad term referring to art music produced or rooted in the traditions of Western culture, primarily from the 16th to the early 20th centuries.

Pronunciation

/ˌklæsɪkəl ˈmjuːzɪk/

Etymology

The term 'classical' derives from the Italian 'classico,' meaning ‘of the highest rank’ or ‘of the first class,’ initially referring to ancient Greek and Roman art.

Explain Like I’m 5

Classical music is a type of art music from Europe that developed over hundreds of years, like Beethoven's famous symphonies.

Fun Facts

The term 'classical' originally referred to music from ancient Greece and Rome
Composers often wrote pieces for specific occasions, like royal celebrations or religious ceremonies
Some classical music pieces can last longer than an hour

FAQ

What time period does classical music cover? It spans roughly from the 16th to early 20th centuries
Who were some famous composers? Johann Sebastian Bach, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and Ludwig van Beethoven are well-known examples
What instruments are commonly used? Orchestras typically include strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion

Synonyms — Similar or Related Terms

art music Western classical music

Hypernyms — Broader Categories

music

Hyponyms — Specific Examples

Baroque music Romantic music Classical period music

Meronyms — Parts or Components

orchestra symphony concerto opera

Holonyms — Wholes or Groups

music history Western culture

Indexes

historical period musical

Built by Tim Jones