“Classical music” and “musical classics” are two absolutely equivalent formulations, free from the framework of terminology, reflecting the vast layer of musical culture, its historical significance and prospects for further development. Often the term "classical music" is replaced by the phrase "academic music."
Appearance story
Regardless of the terminology, classical music has a very definite historical origin, associated with the late educational period of the era of classicism. The poetry of that time and dramaturgy 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 directions associated with literary sources. Oratorios, cantatas bore the stamp of classicism, a peculiar standard of the 17-19 centuries. In opera performances libretto dominated, written based on the period of antiquity.
Becoming
Almost all genres of classical music are somehow connected with the era of classicism. Composer Gluck was one of the most prominent followers of ancient culture in music; he managed to observe all the canons of that time in his works. The era of the past was distinguished by a clear equilibrium logic, a clear design, 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 almost mathematically verified definition of the genre fell into its place. Over time, the genres of classical music received a high degree of academicity.
In the opera, the solo parts began to prevail over the accompanying voices, while earlier all the participants in the performance were equal. The principle of dominance enriched the sound, the libretto took a completely different form, and the performance became theatrical and opera. Instrumental ensembles also transformed, solo instruments moved forward, accompaniment kept in the background.
Musical genres, directions and styles
During the period of late classicism, new musical "samples" were created. The genres of classical music were widespread in the late 18th century. Orchestral, ensemble, solo-vocal and especially symphonic groups followed the new canons in music, while improvisations were minimized.
What stand out genres of classical music? The list of them is as follows:
- Variations
- symphonies;
- opera;
- instrumental concerts;
- cantatas;
- oratorios;
- preludes and fugues;
- sonatas;
- suites;
- toccates;
- fantasies;
- organ music;
- nocturnes;
- vocal symphonies;
- wind music;
- overtures;
- musical masses;
- psalms;
- elegy;
- sketches;
- choir as a musical form.
Development
By the middle of the 18th century, orchestras gathered by the principle of chance, and their composition determined the work of the composer. The music author had to build his work for specific instruments, most often they were strings and a small amount of winds. Later, orchestras appeared on a regular basis, fairly unified, contributing to the development of the genre of symphony and instrumental music. These orchestras already had a name, constantly improved and toured within the immediate 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 with orchestra and other combinations. Also appeared the so-called symphonietta, a short piece of music with the participation of the entire orchestra. Then he became a fashionable requiem.
Composers of the classicist era, Johann Sebastian Bach with his sons, Christoph Gluck, representatives of the Italian and Mannheim opera formed the Vienna Classical School, which also included Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven. Classical forms of symphony, sonata, instrumental pieces appeared in the works of these masters. Later chamber ensembles, a piano trio, various string quartets and quintets arose.
Viennese classical music of the late era of classicism smoothly moved into the next period, the time of romanticism. Many composers began to compose in a freer manner, their work now and then went beyond the academic canons of the past. Gradually, the innovative aspirations of the masters were recognized as “exemplary”.
Time test
The genres of classical music continued to develop, and in the end, evaluation criteria appeared according to which the degree of artistry of the work and its value for the future were derived. Music that has stood the test of time has necessarily been included in the concert repertoire of almost all orchestras. So it was with the works of Dmitry Shostakovich.
In the 19th century there was an attempt to classify certain categories of so-called light music into the genres of classical music. It was about an operetta, which they hastened to call "semi-classics." However, this genre soon became completely independent, and artificial assimilation was not needed.