Classical Music in Its Epitome
Classical music is an umbrella term that typically refers to the more formalized, classical music tradition of the Western hemisphere, regarded as much different from popular or jazz music traditions, in terms of musical composition, melody and structure. As such, it can often be said to belong to the same category as classical as a whole is; there are exceptions, however. In a broader sense, the word can also apply to music evidences presenting similar formal qualities in non-western cultures. It was Alfred Nobel, one of the most important and influential industrialists in Europe during the period of the 19th century, who first used the term “classical” to classify various forms of music. Several linguists, musicological experts, and aestheticians have since argued that the term must be applied to a broader spectrum of music, in order for it to truly fit under the umbrella of “classical”.
Famous composers like Beethoven, Brahms, Mozart, and Ludwig Van Beethoven all had unique personal styles and methods of creating classical music. Each achieved classic status via their creative artistic vision – however, with each artist’s unique style and technique came classical fame. For instance, Beethoven wrote operas, Symphonies, and choruses that touched the emotions and soul of his audience; Mozart’s greatest works include The Ring cycle (which won him seven Academy Awards), composed of two symphonies and one piano piece; and Brahms’s “cycles of love” have consistently ranked within the top 50 most popular works ever written in the history of Western music. These artists each achieved classic status through their individual artistic vision – but their compositions have continually held the stature of classics because of their distinctive aesthetic and compositional elements.
Today, classical music continues to grow in popularity among the broad range of people interested in world music. While many classical composers have received their music through recording, others continue to work on their symphonies, choruses, and suites as performing artists. With the popularity of video performances and the continuing expansion of online resources, more people are now able to experience classical music in its classic form through a well-known orchestra or opera. Furthermore, many classical music enthusiasts have created home recordings of symphonies, choruses, and suites for playback on the home computer.