Classical music generally refers to the art music of the Western world, considered to be distinct from Western folk music or popular music traditions. It is often characterized by formality and complexity in its musical form and harmonic organization, particularly with the use of polyphony. Classical music is a written tradition that has been around since at least the ninth century, spawning a sophisticated notational system, as well as accompanying literature in analytical, critical, historiographical, musicological, and philosophical practices.
The term "classical music" first began to appear in the early 19th century, and gained popularity among music lovers who regarded the period from Bach to Beethoven as a shining era in music history. However, the term "classical" most properly describes music composed from about 1750 to 1820, which includes the work of Haydn and Mozart, but only most of Beethoven. Classical music is different from popular and folk music, as it is more complex and is usually written down in a form that classical musicians can read off the page. Classical musicians do not frequently improvise, and composers write classical music for different types of instruments, including stringed instruments, wind instruments, keyboard instruments, or percussion instruments, or a combination of any of these.
The term "classical music" is often used as an umbrella term for Western instrumental, orchestral, vocal, choral, and other forms of Western music. However, the term "classical" actually refers to a period of time in Western Art Music that describes the music of Haydn, Mozart, and early Beethoven, as well as other composers who lived at that time. The general time designations for Western music are Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Modern. Classical music is still being composed today, although it is far different than what was created several hundred years ago.
