dabrowska.org - The Best of Classical Music
The history of classical music can be traced back to the fifth century and includes a variety of music styles such as opera, symphony, chamber music, choral works, Gregorian chant and the Mass. We have all been exposed to some form of classical music or the other - perhaps in the aircraft before a flight, or in a restaurant. Classical music has a mellifluous tone and is usually instrumental music, such as a piano or violin, or cello.
Spawning various periods since it was first created, classical music has also been divided into different eras - the Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, Classical and Romantic. More recently, the 20th century saw the contemporary classical and modern classical genres. Because of its rich resonance, classical music is often assumed to be the music for the rich and affluent who can appreciate this style of music better.
However, that is far from the truth. Since most of the classical musicians themselves hail from humble backgrounds, this genre of music can be, and is, appreciated by people from all walks of life.
The classical compositions of each of the popular composers, be it Mozart or Beethoven, themselves are typical of their style. For example, music by Beethoven and Brahms is characteristic of the Romantic period, and that by Mozart comes from the Classical period, as each of these composers belonged to these respective eras.
Nowadays, classical masterpieces by most of these artists are available as classical CDs and classical records. Classical records are vinyl Gramophone long play (LP) records that used to be in vogue until compact discs became popular. These LP classical records are still available for music lovers who are used to listening to the analog format of music.
However, classical CDs are more current since the advent of the digital format of music. Easily downloadable, stored and exchanged on the internet, this compact disc format of classical music has become quite a rage, especially with cyber communities of music lovers. Forums and blogs are published, with a database of classical music collection that connoisseurs can easily make use of.
Because classical music is viewed as highly 'grammatical', its notes have always been stored in written form. These are available as sheet music, which is nothing but music printed on paper for the use of prospective musicians, students of music and composers. Again, with the arrival of the internet, archived classical sheet music is available as digital downloads, making it easily accessible by one and all.
The interest in classical music has also generated a veritable number of books on classical music. There are 'Teach yourself Classical music' books and classical sheet music books, classical books on composers, genres and instruments. A list of books based on the conductor and musician is also available at popular music stores and online bookstores.
So, whether it is Brahms or Beethoven, Baroque or Romantic, chamber music or symphony, violin or cello, classical music has not ceased to allure music lovers. With the wealth of resources available in the form of CDs, classical records and classical sheet music, these pieces of treasure steeped in history is now available to every common man. It is not any more for the upper class music lovers alone.