How to Write Classical Music

The basics of how to write classical music. Includes an overview of music theory and composition.

Introduction

Classical music is art music produced or rooted in the traditions of Western music, including both liturgical (religious) and secular music. While a more precise term is also used to refer to the period from 1750 to 1820 (the Classical period), this article is about the broad span of time from before the 6th century AD to the present day, which includes the Classical period and various other periods. The central norms of this tradition became codified between 1550 and 1900, which is known as the common-practice period.

What is Classical Music?

Classical music is art music produced or rooted in the traditions of Western culture, including both liturgical (religious) and secular music. While a more precise term is also used to refer to the period from 1750 to 1820 (the Classical period), this article is about the broad span of time from before the 6th century AD to the present day, which includes the Classical period and various other periods. The central norms of this tradition became codified between 1550 and 1900, which is known as the common-practice period.

The Different Types of Classical Music

There are many different types of classical music, but they can broadly be divided into two main Categories: orchestral and chamber.

Orchestral music is classical music that is written for a large group of instruments, called an orchestra. Some well-known examples of orchestral music include Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 and Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite.

Chamber music is classical music that is written for a small group of instruments, usually between two and eight players. Chamber music is often more intimate than orchestral music, as it doesn’t require the same level of coordination between the different instrumental parts. Some well-known examples of chamber music include Mozart’s Eine kleine Nachtmusik and Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 3.

The History of Classical Music

Classical music is art music produced or rooted in the traditions of Western music, including both liturgical (religious) and secular music. While a more precise term is also used to refer to the period from 1750 to 1820 (the Classical period), this article is about the broad span of time from before the 6th century AD to the present day, which includes the Classical period and various other periods. The central norms of this tradition became codified between 1550 and 1900, which is known as the common-practice period.

The Different Styles of Classical Music

Classical music is often divided into different styles, each with their own nuances and characteristics. Understanding these styles can help you write more effective and compelling classical pieces.

The four main styles of classical music are:

-Baroque: A highly ornate style of music that originated in the early 1600s. Baroque pieces often feature complex melodies andcounterpoint.
-Classical: A style of music that emerged in the late 1700s and early 1800s. Classical music is characterized by balance, elegance, and clarity of form.
-Romantic: A style of music that emerged in the early 1800s. Romantic music is characterized by expressive melodies, virtuosic performance techniques, and emotional intensity.
-Modern: A style of music that emerged in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Modern classical music is characterized by its use of atonality and experimentalism.

The Different Forms of Classical Music

Classical music is usually divided into two main categories: instrumental and vocal. Vocal music includes opera and all types of solo and ensemble music that is sung. Instrumental music includes every type of music that is written for instruments, including solo, chamber, and orchestral music.

The two main forms of classical instrumental music are the sonata and the symphony. The sonata is a piece of music written for one or two instruments, usually in three or four movements. The first movement is usually fast, the second movement is slower, the third movement is fast, and the fourth movement is fast. Thesymphonyis a piece of music written for an orchestra, usually in four movements. The first movement is always fast, the second movement is slow or moderate, the third movement is fast or moderate, and the fourth movement is always fast.

The Different Composers of Classical Music

There are many different composers of classical music, each with their own unique style. Here is a brief overview of some of the most famous classical composers:

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750): Bach was a German composer who is considered one of the most important composers in the history of Western music. His works include the Brandenburg Concertos and the Mass in B Minor.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791): Mozart was an Austrian composer who is considered one of the greatest composers of all time. His works include The Marriage of Figaro and The Magic Flute.

Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827): Beethoven was a German composer who is considered one of the most important figures in Western music. His works include symphonies Nos. 5 and 9, and piano sonatas Nos. 14 and 16.

Frederic Chopin (1810-1849): Chopin was a Polish composer and pianist who is considered one of the greatest Romantic composers. His works include Prelude in C Minor and Polonaise in A Major.

The Different Instruments Used in Classical Music

Most people associate classical music with grandiose orchestras, but there are actually many different types of instruments used in this genre. In a standard orchestra, you’ll find sections for the following:

Strings: The string section is usually the largest in an orchestra. It includes the violin, viola, cello, and double bass.

Woodwinds: This section usually includes flutes, oboes, clarinets, and bassoons.

Brass: The brass section includes trumpets, trombones, and tubas.

Percussion: The percussion section can include a wide variety of instruments, from drums to cymbals to xylophones.

There are also a few less common instruments that are sometimes used in classical music, such as the harp and piano.

The Different Genres of Classical Music

There are different types of classical music, which are often categorized by period, compositional method, or geographical region. Here is a brief overview of the different genres:

1. Early Medieval music (500-1400) was mostly religious in nature and was used to accompany Gregorian chants. This type of music is characterized by its simple melodic lines and modal harmony.

2. Renaissance music (1400-1600) was secular and polyphonic in nature. This type of music is characterized by its complex harmonies and contrapuntal texture.

3. Baroque music (1600-1750) was secular and often highly ornamented. This type of music is characterized by its use of counterpoint and basso continuo.

4. Classical music (1750-1820) was secular and more refined than the previous periods. This type of music is characterized by its use of melody, harmony, and form to create a sense of order and balance.

5. Romantic music (1820-1900) was secular and often highly emotional in nature. This type of music is characterized by its use of expanded tonality, chromaticism, and programmatic elements.

6. Modern classical music (1900-present) has been considerably influenced by popular culture and revolt against tradition. This type of music is characterized by its use of atonality, serialism, minimalism, and Cageian chance procedures

How to Write Classical Music

The word “classical” is used to describe a certain period in music history. This period includes the music of Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven. The word “classical” can also be used to describe the music of other composers who wrote during this time period. The music of these composers is usually characterized by its formal structure and its use of classical forms such as the sonata, the symphony, and the concerto.