Appreciating the Classics....

The definition of "classic" is to serve as a standard, model, or guide, and that is exactly what classical music did for all music to follow. There are three different categories of classical music: early (the Renaissance), common practice (what this post will be focusing on), and modern and contemporary. It started as early as 476, although the most common/popular time was from 1600-1910, during the "common practice." This is where all of the renowned composers, such as Beethoven, Bach, Debussy, Mozart, Brahms, etc. made there debut into music history.

Withing the "common practice" category, there are three forms of classical music, including Baroque, Classical, and Romantic. In the Baroquet period (1600-1760), instruments such as the harpsichord, violin, and pipe organ became popular, as well as musical cantatas and orchestras. Famed composers Pachelbel and Johann Sebastian Bach were from the Baroquet time. The Classical (within classical) time period was approx. from 170-1820, created many of the norms of composition, presentation and style, and introduced the piano as a main instrument in an orchestra. They Sypmhony became a common musical from, and the orchestra's instrumentation increased to include wind instruments. This style was prominent in Italy, France, Germany, and Russia, and included the famous composers Beethoven (also a "Romantic" composer) and Mozart. Lastly is the "Romantic" practice, was from 1820-1910, and paid more attention to the melodies and rhythms, and the more emotional aspects of a composition. The size of a typical orchestra was more than doubled, and compositions were greatly influenced by the European musical ideas. The genre include famous composers, such as Chopin, Wagner, Brahms, and Debussy.

Classical music has influenced all genres since its time, including rock, folk, and television and movie scores, and is still not only remembered, but cherished. It is still taught in homes and schools (elementary to graduate) all over the world, with the belief that knowledge of classical music can actually make an individual more intelligent. There is a multiplicity of amazing classical composers and their compositions- too many to choose from- so I stuck to the most well-known in adding songs to the playlist. A lot of the songs can still be heard in movies, weddings, stores, etc. I also included a personal favorite, from the Trans Siberian Orchestra, which is a current, popular, "rock orchestra," with influences from classical music, which is allowing younger generations to appreciate the classics, with a slightly modern twist. Classical music sure has come a long way!

Playlist: Songs 124-134