Where to Start With Classical Music

If you’re new to classical music, you might be wondering where to start. Here are five pieces of classical music that are essential listening for any music lover.

The Basics of Classical Music

You might be wondering, what is classical music? Classical music is a genre of music that covers a wide range of styles, from the early music of the Medieval period to the contemporary music of the 21st century. It is generally characterized by its complex harmonies, intricate melodies, and counterpoint.

What is classical music?

Classical music is a diverse and wide-ranging genre, encompassing everything from early music and medieval choral works to modern symphonies and film scores. It is generally considered to be art music, meaning that it is created for aesthetic rather than practical purposes.

There is no single definition of classical music, and the genre has been evolving and changes over time. Classical music is often split into periods, with the earliest being the Medieval period (c. 476 – 1400), followed by the Renaissance (c. 1400 – 1600), Baroque (c. 1600 – 1750), Classical (c. 1750 – 1820), Romantic (c. 1820 – 1910) and 20th-century classical music (1910 onwards).

Within these periods, there are a number of different styles of classical music, such as Gregorian chant, opera, Bach’s Goldberg Variations or Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9. The history of classical music is often seen as a history of great works and composers, such as Bach, Mozart or Beethoven, but it is also important to remember that classical music has always been part of a living tradition, with new works being created all the time.

A brief history of 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

If you’re just getting into classical music, you might be wondering where to start. There are so many different types of classical music, and it can be overwhelming to try to figure out which one is right for you. In this article, we’ll go over the different types of classical music so that you can make an informed decision about where to start your journey.

Opera

Opera is a form of theatre in which music has a leading role and the parts are taken by singers, but is distinct from musical theatre. Opera is part of the Western classical music tradition. It began in Italy in the late 16th century and soon spread through the rest of Europe: in the 17th century, French opera developed, followed by German opera in the 18th century.

The word opera is from Italian: opus, meaning “work”; plural: opere. The Italian word derives from Latin opera, a singular noun meaning “work” and also the plural of the Latin word opus. By extension, then, opera means “a work of art, especially a dramatic composition set to music”. This usage began in 1639. The meaning “sung drama” was first attested in 1884.

It is usually understood that an “opera” is a work for voices set to an instrumental accompaniment with costumes and scenery; however, not all vocal works with instrumental accompaniment and costumes are called operas – oratorios and cantatas are examples of works that are sometimes called operas but are not strictly speaking operas. It is also sometimes used more broadly to refer to works for voices without any instrumentation at all such as those by Rossini (e.g., La cenerentola) or modern works like Britten’s War Requiem which uses an orchestra but not for all sections of the work.

Symphonies

A symphony is an extended musical composition in Western classical music, most often written by composers for orchestra. Although the term has had many meanings from its origins in the ancient Greek era, by the late 18th century the word had taken on the meaning common today: a work usually consisting of multiple distinct sections or movements, often four, with the first movement in sonata form. Symphonies are almost always scored for an orchestra consisting of a string section, brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments which altogether number about 40 to 80 musicians. Symphonies are notated in a musical score, which contains all the instrument parts. Orchestral musicians play from parts which contain just their own instrument’s music.

The word symphony is derived from the Greek word συμφωνία (symphōnia), meaning “agreement or concord of sound”. The word referred to a variety of different concepts before settling on its current meaning designating a musical form. In late Greek and medieval theory, the word was used for consonance, as opposed to διάστασις (diastasis) meaning dissonance. In the Middle Ages and later it was also applied to related fields such as architecture and poetry especially where there was a harmony of sentiment or idea; it continued to be used in this way until at least the 17th century though in modern times more usually connoting harmonic agreement between successive phrases or sections where such agreement is not strictly present.

The term seems to have been used by Pythagoras and his followers to describe mathematical relationships between tones that produce concordant pitches when sounded together—most notably octaves (1:2 ratio), fifths (2:3), fourths (3:4) thirds (5:6) etc.—although there is evidence that these terms were also applied at times to describe actual physical interactions between performing musicians playing concordant pitches. Even in late antiquity there was debate over whether adding voices in one’s head while singing—known as imaginary harmony or mental counterpoint—constituted true symphony; Modern scholarship largely agrees Pythagoras did intend IMAGINARY HARMONY as part of his teaching but suggests his theory did not provide effective prescription for musical composition as practiced until centuries later after Pythagoreanism had ceased to be an influential philosophical school having been largely absorbed into Stoicism itself already waning as a dominant philosophical system by late antiquity..

In general usage after c. 1750–1820, symphony referred (incorrectly) to any sumptuous piece of instrumental music; this article addresses such works generated during c. 1750–1920 within what is now broadly understood as “the Western classical tradition”.

Concertos

A concerto is a piece of music written for one or more soloists and an orchestra. The most common form is three movements, fast-slow-fast. The soloist(s) play(s) the melody while the orchestra accompanies them. The first and last movements are usually fast and lively, while the middle movement is slow and tranquil.

The word concerto comes from the Italian word “concertare” which means “to come together” or “to agree”. This reflects the relationship between the soloist(s) and the orchestra, as they need to work together to make the piece sound good.

There are many different types of concertos, including:
-Violin concertos
-Piano concertos
-Cello concertos
-Flute concertos

Concertos can be written for any combination of solo instruments and orchestra, so there are endless possibilities for different combinations of sounds. If you’re new to classical music, a good place to start is with one of the most popular and well-known concertos: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons.

The Great Classical Composers

Though there are many great classical composers, three in particular stand out among the rest: Bach, Beethoven, and Mozart. These three fantastic composers have left legacies that have influenced classical music for centuries. If you’re just getting into classical music, or want to know more about these greats, read on!

Ludwig van Beethoven

Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) was a German pianist and composer of classical music. His work spanned the period from the late 18th century to early 19th century and his work influenced many future composers. He is considered one of the greatest composers of all time. Many of his works are still performed today, more than 200 years after his death.

Beethoven was born in the city of Bonn in the Electorate of Cologne, a principality of the Holy Roman Empire. He was baptized on December 17, 1770. His father, Johann van Beethoven, was a musician in the court orchestra of Elector Maximilian Franz and taught music to Ludwig and his brothers Caspar Anton Carl and Nikolaus Johann. His grandfather, Kapellmeister Ludwig van Beethoven, had been employed as Bonn’s Kapellmeister before moving to Baden bei Wien in 1761.

Beethoven’s musical talents were apparent at an early age; he composed his first piece at the age of eleven (it is not known if this piece has survived), and by seventeen he had written three piano sonatas, which were published as Opus 1.

In 1792, Beethoven moved to Vienna, where he studied with Joseph Haydn; he also received lessons from Antonio Salieri. It is likely that he also studied with Johann Georg Albrechtsberger and Simon Sechter during this time. Beethoven’s first public performance in Vienna was in 1795; he gained further notoriety when he premiered his First Symphony (Opus 21) in 1800.

Beethoven continued to compose music despite declining health; by 1814 he was completely deaf. He continued to compose until his dying days, completing his final work just days before his death on March 26, 1827 at the age of 56.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (27 January 1756 – 5 December 1791), baptised as Johannes Chrysostomus Wolfgangus Theophilus Mozart, was a prolific and influential composer of the Classical era.

Born in Salzburg, Mozart showed prodigious ability from his earliest childhood. Already competent on keyboard and violin, he composed from the age of five and performed before European royalty. At 17, Mozart was engaged as a musician at the Salzburg court but grew restless and traveled in search of a better position. While visiting Vienna in 1781, he was dismissed from his Salzburg position. He chose to stay in the capital, where he achieved fame but little financial security. During his final years in Vienna, he composed many of his best-known symphonies, concertos, and operas, and portions of the Requiem, which was largely unfinished at the time of his early death at the age of 35.

The circumstances of his early death have been much mythologized. He is reputed to have collapsed in a fit of giggling while listening to one of the Cannons by Handel; however, biographer Maynard Solomon suggests that this story arose out of remarks made during Johann Peter Salomon’s memorial concert for Mozart in London on 9 March 1800.

Johann Sebastian Bach

Johann Sebastian Bach is one of the most important figures in Western classical music. He was born in 1685 in Eisenach, Germany, and died in 1750 in Leipzig. His work straddled the worlds of the Baroque and Classical periods, and his music is revered for its technical mastery, creativity, and beauty.

Some of Bach’s most famous works include The Well-Tempered Clavier, a collection of keyboard pieces that are essential repertoire for any piano student; The Brandenburg Concertos, a set of highly inventive concerti for various instruments; his choral works such as the Mass in B minor; and his many solo keyboard works such as the Goldberg Variations.

Bach’s music is deeply emotional and spiritual, yet also extremely inventive and technically demanding. It is perfect for both casual listening and serious study, and there are few better places to start your journey into classical music than with the great Johann Sebastian Bach.

How to Get Into Classical Music

It can be difficult to know where to start with classical music. There are so many composers and pieces of music to choose from! A great place to start is with the most popular classical pieces. These are the pieces that have stood the test of time and are still being performed today.

Listen to a variety of music

Try not to get hung up on what you think classical music is supposed to sound like. Yes, there are certain pieces that are considered the “canon” of classical music, but there is so much more to explore. If you’re not sure where to start, a good strategy is to simply listen to a variety of music and see what you like.

Spotify and Pandora both have channels dedicated to classical music, and you can also find a lot of great stuff on YouTube. As you’re listening, pay attention to the different elements of the music that stand out to you. Do you like the way the instruments sound? Do you like the way the composer develops themes? Do you find yourself humming along to the melody?

Once you’ve identified a few things that you like about classical music, you can start digging deeper and finding more pieces that fit your taste. There are tons of great resources out there for exploring classical music, so don’t be afraid to ask around or do some research on your own.

Start with the basics

Start with the basics. If you’re new to classical music, start with the most popular and well-known pieces. These pieces are often easier to listen to and appreciate. As you become more familiar with classical music, you can explore different composers, genres, and periods.

There is a lot of classical music to choose from, so where should you start? If you’re not sure where to begin, try some of these pieces:

-Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 in C minor
-Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 21 in C major
-Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 in G major
-Chopin’s Prelude in E minor
-Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake

Find a style that suits you

Most people think of classical music as a single genre, but it’s actually an umbrella term that covers a huge range of styles and periods. So, where to start with classical music? The first step is finding a style that suits you.

One of the great things about classical music is that there is something for everyone. If you like your music fast and furious, try the virtuoso showpieces written for solo instruments. If you prefer something a little bit lighter, try the Classical period (roughly 1750-1820), which is full of delicate, tuneful works. If you’re in the mood for something really dramatic, try the Romantic period (1815-1910), when composers started writing music that was designed to evoke extreme emotions.

Of course, these are just a few examples – once you start dipping your toe into the world of classical music, you’ll find all sorts of different styles and periods to explore. And who knows? You might just find your new favorite genre.

The Benefits of Listening to Classical Music

Classical music has been proven to have many benefits. Listening to classical music can help reduce stress, can improve focus and productivity, and can even improve your sleep quality. If you’re looking for a way to improve your life in a variety of ways, you should consider listening to classical music.

It can improve your focus and concentration

Whether you’re working on a project, studying for an exam, or just trying to get through your to-do list, there are times when we all need a little help concentrating. And while there’s no shortage of advice out there on how to boost your productivity, one of the simplest and most effective strategies is also one of the most underrated: listening to classical music.

That’s right, classical music can actually help you focus and get more done. Studies have shown that listening to classical music improves attention span and task completion, and that it can even increase IQ scores.

So if you’re looking for a way to increase your productivity and get more out of your day, try putting on some Bach or Beethoven the next time you sit down to work. It just might help you get more done than you ever thought possible.

It can reduce stress and anxiety

Listening to classical music can have a positive effect on your mental health, reducing stress and anxiety. Research has shown that music can help to lower blood pressure, heart rate, and cortisol levels (a stress hormone).

One study found that people who listened to classical music for 30 minutes had lower levels of cortisol and felt more relaxed than those who didn’t listen to music. Other studies have shown that listening to classical music can help to improve sleep quality, reduce pain, and increase focus and concentration.

So if you’re feeling stressed or anxious, try listening to some classical music. It might just help you to relax and feel more calm.

It can improve your sleep quality

If you find it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep through the night, you might want to consider listening to classical music before bed. A study conducted by the University of Toronto found that people who listened to 45 minutes of classical music before sleeping had better sleep quality than those who didn’t listen to any music at all.

The study participants who listened to classical music fell asleep more quickly and slept more deeply than those who didn’t listen to any music. They also reported feeling more refreshed and alert when they woke up in the morning. If you’re not a fan of classical music, don’t worry – the same study found that other genres of soft music can also help you sleep better.