![]() ![]() In our wired, amplified world, concert halls and opera houses are essentially the last places we can hear music in a natural acoustic, where we can savor the richness of an orchestra’s string section or the ping of a tenor’s voice. Still, classical music is a performing art best experienced live. Recorded music is widely accessible, and that’s an incredible resource. ![]() Isn’t that a great way to get to know this art? Still, the term is far from ideal, but no one has come up with a good alternative - yet.Ĭlassical music is available on CDs and streaming services. Another characteristic is that composers in this tradition have been drawn to larger, structured forms. But in a broader sense the term classical music has been adopted as a way to describe the continuing heritage of music mostly written to be performed in concert halls and opera houses by orchestras, singers, choruses, chamber ensembles and solo instrumentalists. One complication is that music history refers to the years from roughly 1750 to 1825 as the “classical” period, when Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven achieved their glory. Labels can be problematic in any field “classical music” especially so. ![]() What exactly is classical music, and what differentiates it from other musical genres?Īh, that inevitable question. Still, let me offer a bit of advice, by answering some of the questions I’ve received. It’s an escape, an adventure, an enrichment. A symphony orchestra program - or an opera, or a piano recital - is not an exam. I’d encourage those who are curious to just go to a performance and see what they think. Newcomers to other performing arts, like theater or dance, don’t seem to feel this level of intimidation. Yet I’ve found that many people assume that knowledge of the art form is a prerequisite to appreciation. Naturally, I urge those exploring classical music to find out whatever they can. Over my many years of reviewing, I’ve often been asked for advice from newcomers to classical music, people excited by what they’ve heard, and eager to hear - and to learn - more. ![]()
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January 2023
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