Classical music

Classical music, in its orchestral form, usually focuses on stringed instruments. Violins, violas, cellos, and double basses are all string instruments; together, a balanced group of these instruments makes an orchestra. An orchestra has a conductor who sets the tempo (speed), and directs the orchestra with gestures while they play a piece, or a song.

For some pieces, a symphonic orchestra is needed. A symphonic orchestra is made up of stringed instruments, brass instruments, percussion (such as drums), and woodwinds. Brass instruments include the trumpet, trombone, french horn, and tuba. Woodwind instruments include the clarinet, flute, oboe and bassoon.

Classical music also exists in a "chamber" form. Small groups of players (up to 10) play in smaller rooms without a conductor. Lots of classical music is for very small combinations; single players on many instruments including the piano, duets for two players, trios for three and quartets for four players. The string quartet (two violins, one viola and one cello) is a very well-established type of quartet.

Voices often appear in classical music; in opera (staged drama set to music) and oratorio (like opera but without staging) and in songs, either with orchestral or chamber accompaniment. Classical music has a strong relationship with the church - it is true to say that all classical music can trace its roots back either to the need to dance and celebrate or the need to praise God.

Unlike rock and roll or pop music, classical music is not aimed at one particular group of people, such as teenagers. It usually needs more concentration than popular music, mainly becuse it tends to happen in longer chunks. It would be wrong to say that classical music only appeals to more sophisticated, older people. Gifted children as young as eight years of age play and appreciate classical music.

Classical music has been around since 400 AD. It began in the Middle Ages, and is therefore one of the earliest forms of music. It began to be written down (notated) in the 11th century. There are many, many classical composers. Here are a few in chronological order:

Middle Ages

The Middle Ages covered roughly the 5th century to the 15th century and included:

Renaissance

The Renaissance was from the 15th century until the 17th century and included:

Baroque period

The Baroque period was from about the 17th century until the mid-18th century:

Classical period

The mid-18th century until around 1820 was known as the Classical period:

Romantic period

From 1820 to 1910 was known as the Romantic period:

20th century

What is known as 20th century classical music came from 1910 onward:

In the 20th century, classical music changed a lot. From 1950, electronics began to be used to create new sounds, and electric instruments also began to feature sometimes. Since 1970, composers have tended to blur the dividing lines between rock, pop, classical, folk, jazz and world music, drawing on lots of starting-points to develop new material.