Concept "classical music"(English) classic music) is very broad and multifaceted. Usually this term refers to music of the past that has stood the test of time and has an audience of listeners in our time. Classical music is the best examples of musical art of various genres. As a rule, they are based on “academic” genres and forms: symphony, opera, oratorio, sonata, prelude, suite, overture, etc. These genres were formed in Europe in the 17th-19th centuries and are based on melodic and harmonic principles.
The main instruments used in classical music appeared before the mid-19th century. Among them are solo instruments (organ, harpsichord, piano) and instruments intended for playing in an orchestra. The typical performance method in classical music is a symphony orchestra. It includes wood, strings, brass and percussion instruments.
Milestones in the history of classical music:
Antiquity(up to 400 years)
Middle Ages(400-1400 years)
At this time, the main musical figures were troubadours and trouvères (Adam de la Halle), minnesingers (Walter von der Vogelweide, Wolfram von Eschenbach) and clergy. The musical staff was invented (Benedictine Guido (Guido d'Arezzo).
Renaissance(XV-XVII centuries)
The main composers of that time are Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, Thomas Tallis and Tomás Luis de Victoria. Different types of bowed and keyboard instruments are invented.
Baroque(XVII-mid-XVIII centuries)
Famous names: Johann Sebastian Bach, Antonio Lucio Vivaldi, George Frideric Handel and Henry Purcell. Based forms: opera, oratorio, toccata, fugue, sonata, suite, overture, concerto. The flourishing of organ music, plucked strings, and woodwind instruments.
Classicism(mid-18th-mid-19th centuries)
This period is associated with brilliant musical talents: Mozart (Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart), early Beethoven (Ludwig van Beethoven), Franz Joseph Haydn. The further development of musical composition was determined. The form of the symphony is standardized. A form of performance such as a string quartet appeared.
Romanticism(mid-19th to 20th century)
Beethoven (Ludwig van Beethoven), Chopin (Fryderyk Chopin), Franz Schubert (Franz Peter Schubert), Tchaikovsky, Franz Liszt (Liszt Ferenc), Wagner (Richard Wagner) appear. The rapid development of piano music during this period.
XX century
Famous names: Rachmaninov, Stravinsky, Leonard Bernstein, Benjamin Britten and Philip Glass.
Contemporary academic music(conditionally since 1975)
It is distinguished by its synthesis of elements of classical music with electronic music. Some of the best contemporary composers: Alfred Schnittke, Karlheinz Stockhausen, S.A. Gubaidulina, Ligeti, E.V. Denisov, Hisaishi Joe, Nicholas Hooper , Jerry Goldsmith, Yann Tiersen, Ludovico Einaudi, David Arnold, John Barry, Steve Jablonsky, John Williams, Howard Leslie Shore, Hans Florian Zimmer, Akira Yamaoka and others.
Classical music continues to develop in modern times, influencing other musical genres. For example, rock musicians very often use classical tonality. Classics carry perfect harmony and integrity.
Very often you hear the term “classic” or “classic”. But what is the meaning of this word?
Classic is...
The word "classic" has several meanings. Most explanatory dictionaries offer one of them - works of the classics: literature, music, painting or architecture. This word is also used in relation to some examples of art, for example, “classics of the genre.” However, most often this term is mentioned as an indication of a specific time period in the development of this or that, not forgetting that only a few, the most successful ones, are considered classical authors. In literature, everything that was written in the 18th and 19th centuries is considered a classic. In the 20th century, classics give way to modernity. Many modernist writers sought to destroy the previous tradition and tried to find a new form, themes, and content. Others, on the contrary, used the works of their predecessors for their own purposes. Thus, postmodern works are full of allusions and reminiscences.
Classic is something that will always be in fashion. This is a certain sample that shapes our worldview, which reflects all the characteristic features of a nation of a particular time.
Which writers can be called classics?
As noted above, not every author is included in the ranks of classics, but only those whose work had a significant impact on the development of Russian culture. Perhaps the first classical writers who left a significant mark on the world are Lomonosov and Derzhavin.
Mikhail Vasilievich Lomonosov
His literary work dates back to the first half of the 18th century. He became the founder of such a movement as classicism, so it is impossible not to classify him as a classic of the time. Lomonosov made a huge contribution not only to literature, but also to linguistics (having identified three styles in his native language), as well as to chemistry, physics and mathematics. His most significant works: “Morning/Evening Reflection on the Majesty of God”, “Ode on the Day of the Accession...”, “Conversation with Anacreon”, “Letter on the Benefits of Glass”. It should be noted that most of Lomonosov’s poetic texts were imitative in nature. In his work, Mikhail Vasilyevich was guided by Horace and other ancient authors.
Gavrila Romanovich Derzhavin
Writers of the second half of the 19th century
Among the poets, F.I. Tyutchev and A.A. Fet should be especially highlighted. It was they who marked all the poetry of the second half of the 19th century. Among the prose writers are such bright figures as I. S. Turgenev, F. M. Dostoevsky, L. N. Tolstoy, A. P. Chekhov and others. The works of this period are full of psychological research. Each of the realistic novels opens up to us an extraordinary world, where all the characters are drawn vividly and vitally. It is impossible to read these books and not think about something. Classics are a depth of thought, a flight of fantasy, a role model. No matter how sophisticated the modernists are in saying that art should be kept apart from morality, the works of classical writers teach us the most beautiful things in life.
What is a classic? Translated from Latin, classicus means “exemplary, first-class.” That is why we can confidently speak of adherents of this style as having excellent taste. After all, something that is based on consistency and is based on the best examples of works of art will never become outdated and will not become boring or irrelevant. Having developed several centuries ago and not undergone significant changes, this style has proven its worth and continues to meet the ideas of beauty and convenience in the 21st century. Moderate luxury is, perhaps, the best definition of a classic style that has no equal in terms of sophistication and sophistication.
The classical style, as is commonly believed, began its triumphal march in the 16th century, choosing France for its ascent. Responding to the task of demonstrating the greatness of the rulers through the rich decoration of the palaces both outside and inside, the architects did not skimp in their creation either on the use of rare and expensive materials, or on inviting famous masters to create paintings and frescoes. And in the broad sense of the modern interpretation of the classics, this style can include baroque, classicism, empire style, and later the classical English style and neoclassicism - yet, in general, the classics in the interior genre have formed quite clearly. And it has become a favorite style not only for representatives of conservative views, but also for connoisseurs of all the best that have stood the test of time.
Style Basics
The first thing you can’t help but notice when entering an apartment decorated in a classic style is luxury, manifested in every detail. A ceiling decorated with stucco, parquet made of valuable wood, paintings on the walls, antiques - all this within the framework of precise symmetry creates a classic style. The center of the composition of the living room will undoubtedly be the fireplace - an integral component of the interior in a classic style. Made of marble, decorated with ornate forged gratings, framed on both sides by columns or false trims that imitate them, the fireplace will create around you a feeling of calm and regularity of life of past eras, making you forget about the bustle of our time. Moreover, it does not matter at all in what way it will radiate heat - from real firewood or from electricity. After all, its main function is to convey the aesthetics of palace halls, while at the same time introducing the comfort of a home.
Moldings that decorate not only the ceiling space, but also the walls, in combination with stucco molding, help give the living room a formal look of a secular salon. The classic style does not tolerate clutter and bright flashy accents, so every accessory, right down to miniature figurines and porcelain, wall lamps in the form of candelabra and other art objects stylized in the Renaissance, must be in its place and work to create a style.
Expensive pleasure
So, if you nevertheless decide to create the atmosphere of a palace in your home, keep in mind that your desire will cost you quite a lot, because most of the members of the interior ensemble, including furniture, chandeliers, parquet, will be, if not single handmade products, then certainly be made to order. Be prepared for the fact that in most cases, reconstruction of the walls will be required: the classic style, along with the correct geometry of lines, gravitates towards complex shapes - curved arched vaults, niches in the walls. The ceiling will probably have to be modified, making it multi-level in accordance with the chosen style. Stucco molding made from plaster made according to an individual sketch or ready-made polyurethane decorations offered by manufacturers (a more budget-friendly option) will be a worthy frame for a low-hanging chandelier made of crystal and bronze.
The height of elegance, capable of saying a lot in every sense about the owners of all this sophistication, will be the inclusion of cartouches - stylized initials of the owner - in the applied decorative elements. And thin moldings in the form of frames with rounded corners, applied to the walls on top of plain or finely patterned wallpaper, can perhaps become the hallmark of this style. A fresco decorating the entire wall, or symmetrically hung paintings of classical Attic scenes will be the limit of desires and possibilities for those who have chosen this style.
If we recall the interior decor of any of the palace halls, it is impossible to imagine it without skillfully made inlaid parquet flooring, which necessarily combines wood of various species. It will not be possible to fit parquet boards or laminate into an interior made according to all the rules of the classical style, so flooring may well be one of the first expense items.
A favorite technique of designers is the so-called “rosette-
ka” is a drawing in the form of a round composition made of different types of wood, located in the center of the room. In addition, the idea of a circle can also be reflected on the ceiling through various techniques (including painting), as another way to create symmetry.
Color, light and texture
This is not to say that the classic interior style is easy to implement. Combining various details and elements, each of which is self-sufficient and deserves attention, it is necessary to adhere to a sense of proportion. However, the eyes in such a space will never get tired thanks to the proportionate harmony achieved due to the absence of bright color accents. Interior classics are characterized by noble, muted tones - olive, dark blue, brown or richer burgundy - a symbol of royal power. But the basis will still be light bleached shades. Soft sand, light yellow or cream are suitable not only for bedroom walls, but also for other rooms.
By the way, a chest of drawers on graceful legs, topped with a mirror in a baguette frame, a large bed with a beautiful headboard (for example, in the form of an open shell) and a canopy draped with fabric will fit well into such a bedroom. Textiles, it must be said, play a significant role in this style - from wall decoration with fabric wallpaper, which has become the prerogative of this style, to bedspreads on the bed and a multi-layer window composition of tulle and curtains with tassels.
As a rule, the choice of textiles involved in creating the interior is limited to 2-3 color options. The upholstery of the chairs and sofa matches the curtains on the windows, and the sofa cushions are made of the same fabric as the seats of the Venetian chairs with graceful figured backs and curved legs. The design on the fabric is very restrained and not flashy. Common in classical style interiors is a wide longitudinal stripe against a background of fabric with small ornaments of plant motifs - flower garlands, wreaths, grape vines.
Speaking about lighting, it should be noted that all lighting devices - sconces, floor lamps, table lamps - should play a role in creating style, so the technique of hidden light sources, often used in modern interiors, is used less frequently. Without many lit candles that attract attention, the decoration of the state rooms of the palace halls cannot be imagined. And mirrors in “antique” frames, in addition to large casement windows, will help add light to the room.
Slenderness, severity, simplicity combined with pomp and richness of means of expressing the Baroque style, as well as the desire to make everything too Rococo style created a unique combination. We, ordinary people deprived of titles, want to touch it in everyday life. Having brought such an atmosphere into your home or apartment, you can say with confidence that no one will doubt that you are the king of your life.
Consultant: Design Center "Art Interiors"
The concept of “classical music” is a very vague concept in terms of terminology. In the generally accepted understanding, classical music is music that has stood the test of time and remains popular for many years after its creation.
In historical terms, the concept of “classical music” includes the musical tradition of classicism, or more precisely of the 18th and 19th centuries. Another periodical, which we will focus on, limits the period of classical music when it originated, and the present time, when it still exists.
In the history of classical music, separate periods of development are distinguished.
Renaissance
The longest period in the history of classical music, spanning 1400-1600. I and the rapid development of art, which left in the world musical tradition the works of such composers as Thomas Luis de Victoria, Giovanni da Palestina, Thomas Tallis, and including the musical work of Shakespeare.
Baroque
The Baroque era (1600-1750), following the Renaissance, is characterized by more complex musical forms, the emergence of new genres, a variety of genres, and polyphony. It was during the Baroque era that opera and steel flourished, which are listened to and inherited to this day: Johann Sebastian Bach, Antonio Vivaldi, George Frideric Handel.
Classicism
The era of classicism in the development of classical music is limited to the period of the 1750-1830s, with which the names of the Vienna School - Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven - are invariably associated.
Franz Joseph Haydn
Within the era of classicism, a transitional period is distinguished, between the death of Johann Sebastian Bach in 1750 and the mature work of Mozart in the 1770s. This period has its own French name - "Galante".
In general, the music of classicism is characterized by harmony and balance, canonicity of forms, the emergence of sonata form and the development of symphonies, expansion of the orchestra, and greater emotionality of the works.
Romanticism
During the era of romanticism, the forms, genres and ideas of classical music actively developed. The works of this period are characterized by emotional expressiveness and drama. It was at this time that many song genres, in particular ballads, began to develop. Music was especially popular, for example, works by Chopin and Liszt.
Franz Liszt
Among the composers of Romantic music, Beethoven is distinguished, first of all, who is considered rather a predecessor of Romanticism along with Cherubini. Later, the musical traditions they established were inherited by Schubert, Wagner, Tchaikovsky...
Classical music of the 20th century
In the 20th century, classical music is characterized by a penchant for experimentation, which is not limited by anything other than the will and imagination of the composer himself. Concepts such as atonalism (or atonality, that is, rejection of the logic of tonality) and aleatorics (a random sequence of elements in a composition) arose.
Among the composers of the 20th century, the works of Rachmaninoff, Britten, Glass, Stravinsky, and Bernstein are classified as classical music.
Contemporary classical music is often confused with post-classical music. Indeed, the boundaries between musical styles of the 20th century are so blurred that attributing a certain work to a particular style is sometimes very difficult.
Classical music... Everyone understands this phrase in their own way. For some, these are the light, airy melodies of Mozart, for others, the cantatas and oratorios of Bach. Some immediately recall the cheerful waltzes of Strauss and fiery polkas of Chopin, and others the frantic symphonies of Shostakovich. So who is right? And everyone is equally right!
The word "classic" comes from the Latin classicus, which means exemplary. If we turn to competent sources, for example, the Encyclopedia of Music, we will find several definitions of classical music there.
In addition to the well-known and somewhat primitive definition of “serious music,” we learn what it is:
- exemplary musical works by outstanding composers of yesteryear that have stood the test of time;
- musical works written during a certain historical period in art (from Baroque to Modernism);
- musical works written according to certain rules and canons in compliance with the necessary proportions and intended for performancesymphony orchestra, ensemble or soloists.
Classical music is diverse in genres: symphonies, suites, sonatas, etudes, nocturnes, fantasies, fugues, operas, ballets, sacred music. The main instruments for performing classical music are strings, keyboards, winds and percussion instruments: violin, cello, piano, flute, oboe, clarinet, trumpet, timpani, cymbals, drum and, of course, organ. It is this instrument that can be called the founder of classical music, because it takes its origins back to the Renaissance, i.e. in the 16th century! And its heyday is the 17th century - the Baroque era. It was at this time that such musical genres as sonata and opera arose, which are still relevant today. The greatest genius in the history of music, Johann Sebastian Bach, worked in the Baroque era; it was he who discovered new limitless possibilities for creating musical works. The music of that era was characterized by elaborate forms, complexity, pomp, and emotional fullness. Then Bach's fugues, Handel's oratorios, and Vivaldi's Four Seasons violin concertos were born.
But eras succeeded each other, times changed, people changed - and the music became different! Pretentiousness and pomp were replaced by beautiful, light, airy, elegant music. Have you guessed it yet? Of course, this is Mozart, the brilliant and inimitable Mozart! Beauty and harmony are synonyms of his melodies. He flew over the era of Classicism like a comet, forever illuminating it with bright light.
At the end of the 18th century, another star of classical music rose on the musical horizon- Ludwig van Beethoven. He began to write music in the classical style inherited from Mozart. But real talent always brings with it something new, which is why they say that Beethoven literally “split” the classical style with his music, becoming the founder of a new era - the era of Romanticism. Classical music of this era is more passionate, deep, emotionally expressive and individual. It is directed deep into the human soul, showing the depth and richness of the inner world. During this period, such outstanding composers as F. Chopin, J. Strauss, F. Liszt, P.I. Tchaikovsky and many others.
And the last period in the development of classical music is the period from 1910 to 1960, which went down in history under the name Modernism. Prominent representatives of this direction in music are A. Scriabin, D. Shostakovich and S. Rachmaninov. The music of this period is new and revolutionary. It is aimed at people of the new era and promotes absolute creative freedom of the individual and a call for self-realization.
To sum up all of the above, we can conclude that classical music is eternal. It is beautiful and harmonious, its main feature is the combination of the depth of conveyed experiences with a variety of musical techniques. She has accompanied us for centuries. Its mysterious power lies in the fact that when we listen to it today, we experience the same feelings as the first listeners. The best thing is to go to a concert or listen to a CD of classical music and let everyone decide for themselves what this phrase means to them!
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