Classical Music

Classical music is associated with sophistication.  Classical music boasts a wide array of styles.  It evolved greatly over time into various ‘off shoots’ of music that is similar, yet different.

It’s difficult to mistake the sound of classical music.  The music is complex and in order to play classical music, one needs extensive training.  It takes a lot of skill and a lot practice.  The orchestration, rhythms, dynamics, melodies, off beat time signatures need to be mastered in order to be deemed proficient in this genre.  To play with an orchestra of high caliber (i.e., city or foreign) is often perceived as a high-level achievement, in one’s life, because of how strictly he/she must know his/her instrument or vocals.  It’s not like grabbing a guitar and getting a drummer to jam in a garage.  It’s something that takes expertise, concentration, and timing. The dynamics of playing with an orchestra is often times subtle, but nevertheless very important.  Believe it or not, even the cymbal crashes need to be completely on time and not crashed too loudly or too softly.  It is, without a doubt, one of the highest forms of musicianship.

There is a plethora of classical pieces because of how long the genre has been around.  This music started way back in medieval times – between the period of 500 – 1400.  Each new era of classical music is called “periods.”  The Medieval Period, the Renaissance Period, the Common Practice Period, the Baroque, Classical, and the Romantic periods cover a vast time period, from about 500 – 1910!  That’s a long time of getting a genre developed, right?  And it’s still not complete.  It never will be because it’s art.

We are in the current Classical Period which began in the twentieth century (1901-2000) and transitioned to Contemporary (or Postmodern) Period (1945-present).

There are days when classical music exudes from my being.  I’m not sure about everyone else, but for me, I listen to everything.  There are certain moods that dictate my music listening for the day, and they change from day to day.  Typically, a classical music day for me is a day when I need to feel calm.  It works.  I encourage listeners of classical music to try and pick out everything going on... the different instruments and the different, yet subtle, time changes.  It evokes feeling and it’s very relaxing. 

My favorite spot for listening to classical music is a cabin in the woods.  The scene: sitting back on a comfortable chair, on a cold winter morning, next to the fireplace.  A good cup of coffee and listening to classical music can make even the most bitter moods melt away.

In my opinion, there’s a time and place for most musical genres.  Classical music is not for everyone, but classical music is excellent “mood” music.  It’s a feeling.