The concept of "classical music" is a very vague concept in terms of terminology. In the conventional sense, classical music is called music that has stood the test of time and remained popular for many years after its inception.

In historical terms, the concept of "classical music" includes the musical tradition of classicism, to be more precise, of the 18th and 19th centuries. Another periodical, which we will focus on, limits the period of classical music, when it was born, and the present time, when it still exists.

There are separate periods of development in the history of classical music.

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, Tomass Tallis, including the musical works of Shakespeare.

Baroque

The Baroque era (1600-1750), following the Renaissance, was characterized by more complex musical forms, the emergence of new genres, a variety of genres, and polyphony. It was in the Baroque era that opera and steel flourished, which are listened to and inherited to this day: Johann Sebastian Bach, Antonio Vivaldi, Georg Friedrich Handel.

Classicism

The era of classicism in the development of classical music is limited to the period of the 1750s-1830s, with which the names of the Vienna School - Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven - are invariably correlated.

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 French name - "Galante".

In general, the music of classicism is characterized by harmony and balance, canonicity of forms, the emergence of a sonata form and the development of symphonies, an expansion of the orchestra, a great emotionality of works.

Romanticism

In the era of romanticism, forms, genres and ideas of classicism music actively developed. The works of this period are characterized by emotional expressiveness and drama. It was at this time that many song genres were developed, in particular, ballads. Music, for example, works by Chopin and Liszt, enjoyed particular popularity.

Franz Liszt

Among the composers of the music of romanticism, first of all, Beethoven is distinguished, who is considered rather the predecessor of romanticism along with Cherubini. Later, the musical traditions laid down by them 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 except the will and imagination of the composer himself. Concepts such as atonalism (or atonality, that is, the rejection of the logic of tonality) and aleatorics (a random sequence of elements in a composition) are born.

Of the composers of the 20th century, the works of Rachmaninov, Britten, Glass, Stravinsky, Bernstein are classified as classical music.

Contemporary classical music is often confused with post-classical music. Indeed, the boundaries between the musical styles of the 20th century are so blurred that it is sometimes very difficult to attribute a particular work to a particular style.

Classical music ... Everyone understands this phrase in their own way. For some, classical music is Bach cantatas and oratorios, while for others it is airy, light melodies of Mozart. Someone immediately recalls Chopin's incendiary polkas, some cheerful Strauss waltzes, and others the frantic symphonies of Shostakovich. So what is classical music? Who is right?

The word "classic" comes from the Latin word "classicus", which means exemplary. If you turn to the music encyclopedia, then there are several definitions of classical music:

• a piece of music that was written in a certain historical period;
• musical exemplary works written by outstanding composers of the past and have stood the test of time;
• a piece of music that was written according to certain rules and canons in compliance with all proportions, and intended to be performed by an ensemble, a symphony orchestra or soloists.

Classical music can be divided into genres: sonata, symphony, nocturnes, etudes, fugues, fantasies, ballets, operas and sacred music. For the performance of classical music, instruments such as keyboards, strings, spiritual and percussion are used, namely, the piano, violin, cello, oboe, flute, timpani, trumpet, drum, cymbals and organ. And by the way, it is the organ that is the ancestors of classical music, because one takes its origins from the sixteenth century, that is, from the Renaissance, and its heyday is the Baroque era, that is, the seventeenth century. Since it was at that time that such musical genres as opera and sonata appeared, which are still relevant today. Johann Sebastian Bach - the greatest genius in the history of music, worked during the Baroque era. After all, it was this most talented person who opened boundless new possibilities for creating musical works. The music of that era was characterized by complexity, artsy forms, pomp and emotional fullness. At that time were born Handel's oratorios, Bach's fugues and Vivaldi's violin concertos "The Seasons".

Epochs replaced each other, times changed, and people changed with them - the music became different. Pretentiousness and splendor were replaced by light, beautiful, elegant and airy music. And probably everyone has already guessed that these are the works of Mozart - a genius and inimitable musician. The synonyms for his melodies are harmony and beauty. He flew like a swift comet over the era of Classicism, leaving it forever as a bright light.

In conclusion, we can say that classical music is eternal. This is harmonious and beautiful music, the main feature of which is the combination of the depth of the transmitted emotions, excitement with a variety of musical techniques.

"Classics and Modernity"

Classics (from Lat. Classicus - perfect, exemplary, first-class) are such works of art that, regardless of when they were written, are the best, continue to excite many generations of people. They have received general recognition and have enduring value for national and world culture. These works meet the highest artistic requirements, they combine the depth of content with the perfection of form.

Classical art is called classical art (the art of Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome), as well as the art of the Renaissance and classicism.

In addition, the concept of classical music is applied to the works of the world's greatest composers. Classics can be called works created in the distant past, and modern works.

The classics are often opposed to new trends in art, the achievements of which have not yet passed the test of time. Contemporaries can often make mistakes in evaluating musical works. There are many examples of how works that did not receive recognition during the life of the authors later became classics and entered the golden fund of world musical art. What was perceived yesterday as a daring challenge to classical art can today be classified as a classic. An example of this is the work of S. Prokofiev, R. Shchedrin, A. Schnittke and others.

There is also the concept of a classic of the genre. In this case, works of light music are called classical: jazz, pop, rock music. However

the century of many works, which gained wide popularity at some time, may be short-lived if they do not possess high artistic merit.

To learn to understand all the diversity of music, one must strive to understand the content of the work, its figurative structure, belonging to a certain style, artistic direction.

The word style (from the Greek stylos, literally - a stick for writing) means handwriting, including the author's, a set of characteristic features, techniques, methods, peculiarities of creativity. In art, a distinction is made between the style of the era (historical), the national style, and the individual style - the style of a composer and even a specific performer.

In our time, the interest of musicians in the classical music of the past is growing. Its new versions, interpretations, treatments appear, which attract modern listeners to it. Thanks to our acquaintance with music of different styles, we have the opportunity to enter into a dialogue with our peers and with people of the distant past - as if to visit different times.

At the musical theater.

Dramatic art, dramatic - these words are derived from the word drama. But they are also used when characterizing music, in which a person's experiences are generalized: suffering, confusion, anxiety, protest, indignation, etc. These feelings are most often manifested in people in clashes, disputes, conflicts. This is what drama and musical performance is based on.

Musical dramaturgy - the system will express. means and techniques for the embodiment of dramatic action in the works of musical stage. genre (opera, ballet, operetta). At the heart of musical drama are the general laws of drama as one of the art forms: the presence of a clearly expressed conflict that is revealed in the struggle between the forces of action and reaction, a certain sequence of stages in the disclosure of dramas. ideas (exposition, setting, development, culmination, denouement), etc.

Opera (from Italian opera - work, composition) originated in Italy at the turn of the XVI-XVII centuries. Opera, by definition, is "a stage performance in which the action taking place on the stage is expressed by music, that is, by the singing of the actors (separately each, or together, or in chorus) and the forces of the orchestra in an infinitely varied application of these forces, starting with simple support voices and ending with the most complex symphonic combinations. " Music is the main generalizing means, the bearer of end-to-end action, it not only comments on the department. situations, but also connects all the elements of the drama together, reveals the hidden springs of the behavior of actions. persons, their complex int. relationship, often directly expresses the main idea of \u200b\u200bproduction.

Operas are epic, lyrical, dramatic, comic.

Operas have a long life, based on an interesting libretto and expressive music that most fully reveals the characters of the characters

According to the laws of the theater, opera is divided into actions (acts), actions into pictures, and pictures into scenes.

Usually the opera opens with an introduction, or overture, in which the idea of \u200b\u200bthe performance is expressed. the main characteristics of the main characters of the opera are an aria, a song, a cavatina, a duet, a trio, etc., in which the feelings and experiences of the characters are embodied in memorable melodies. "Half-half-speech" is called recitative.

One of the peculiarities of the opera is that its heroes sometimes sing their part at the same time. So the composer reveals the thoughts and feelings of his characters in an ensemble - a harmonious joint sound. In crowd scenes, a choir sounds, which is often one of the main

characters of the opera or comment on what is happening on stage. depending on the plot, the time of the creation of the opera and the possibilities of the theater, the opera can contain dances and even ballet scenes.

The role of the orchestra is extremely important in opera. He accompanies singers and the choir, acts as an equal partner of the characters of the opera, and sometimes as an independent character. Orchestral episodes (gnomer) of the opera help listeners understand the main lines of development of the action.

Opera "Ivan Susanin".

Opera () "Ivan Susanin" ("A Life for the Tsar") evokes in many generations of listeners a sense of involvement in the history of their people. It reveals the greatness of the soul of Ivan Susanin - a citizen devoted to the Motherland, a father who loves his family. These human qualities are still significant for each of us today.

The opera's dramaturgy is based on the conflicting opposition of two forces, the development of contrasting musical themes: Russian songwriting and Polish dance-instrumental music.

The opera consists of four acts and an epilogue.

The action takes place in the autumn of 1612 and the winter of 1613.

(1st act - in the village of Domnino, 2nd - in Poland, 3rd - in Susanin's hut, 4th - in the woods, epilogue - in Moscow on Red Square).

The introduction (introduction to the opera) features the choir "My Motherland", which embodies the inexorable will of the Russian people for victory.

1st act: A picture of the peaceful life of the villagers and the Susanin family unfolds on the stage. The peasants of the village of Domnino joyfully greet the militia. Only Antonida is sad. She is waiting for the return of her fiancé, Bogdan Sobinin, who went with his retinue to smash the Polish gentry. Her cavatina is full of sincerity and tenderness, and a graceful, lively rondo reveals a bright, joyful world of girlish dreams: "Every morning, every evening, I am waiting for a meeting with my dear friend." Susanin understands the feelings of his daughter, but he wants to prepare her for the trials that the difficult time brings. This is not the time to think about getting married. Suddenly a song comes from the river. Sobiyin is returning with a retinue. He brought good news: Minin and Pozharsky led the Russian army, and military people flock to them from all corners. The peasants rejoice: the hour of liberation is at hand. Susanin's decision to postpone the wedding upsets Sobinin: after all, he returned to his native village for the wedding. At first, Susanin is adamant, but upon learning that the enemies are besieged in Moscow, he agrees.

2nd act: This is a generalized image of the Polish conquerors anticipating victory. In the ancient Polish castle of King Sigismund III, the arrogant nobleman confident of their victory is recklessly feasting. The brightly lit hall is full of cheering guests. Suddenly the dancing is interrupted by the appearance of a messenger. He reports on the defeat of the mercenary troops and the siege of the Polish detachment in Moscow. The gentry is in disarray. The knights are going into battle, boasting saber-rattling, swear to conquer the "hated smerds".

3rd act: In the house of Susanin they are preparing for the wedding of Antonida and Sobinin. Susanin's adopted son Vanya dreams of going with Sobinin against the Poles. The peasants who entered are congratulating the groom and the bride, Susanin invites them to the wedding. Suddenly a horse stomp is heard. The door swings open and the Poles enter the hut. They need a guide to get to Moscow. In vain are the enemies persuading Susanin - he will not become a traitor. Then the Poles offer gold to Susanin. Suddenly, Susanin agrees: he is struck by the idea of \u200b\u200bleading the Poles into an impenetrable forest thicket. Secretly from the enemies, he sends Vanya to warn Minin about the danger and leaves with the Poles. Having learned about what happened, Sobinin rushes with his squad in pursuit of the enemies.

The drama of emotional experiences is conveyed by Antonida's romance (“I’m not grieving about that, friends”), which is woven into the ingenuous melody of the wedding choir of girlfriends.

Vanya informs the Russian soldiers about the arrival of the Polish detachment. The warriors are determined to defeat the enemies and save Susanin. Led by Minin, they set out to meet the enemy.

4th act: Tired, frozen Poles wander through a deaf, impenetrable forest. Enemies suspect that Susanin has lost his way. Finally, the detachment stops for a halt, the Poles fall asleep. Susanin is not sleeping. He knows that death awaits him: the Poles sense the truth. It's hard to die, but he did his duty. Susanin's recitative and aria sounds. A blizzard is rising, and in the whistle of the wind, Susanin fancies the voices of children. Brightens. The awakened Poles are convinced with horror that they cannot get out of the deep forest jungle. Susanin, triumphant, reveals the terrible truth to the Panamas. Enraged Poles kill him.

Epilogue: In Moscow, on Red Square, the people are greeting the Russian troops. Here is Vanya, Antonida and Sobinin. The people celebrate the liberation and praise the heroes who gave their lives for the victory over the enemy. The final chorus "Glory!", Written in the spirit of the victorious folk cant, radiates light, conveys the triumph and jubilation of the people.

Premiere - November 27 (December 9) 1836 at the St. Petersburg Bolshoi Theater.

A new era in Russian musical art began with opera, and the entire path of development of the opera genre in Russia was determined.

Opera "Prince Igor"

The opera "Prince Igor" (), a member of the community of Russian composers The Mighty Handful, is also dedicated to pages of Russian history. The plot of the opera is based on the patriotic poem of Ancient Rus "The Lay of Igor's Host", supplemented by other historical documents and chronicles. It is dedicated not to victories, which many Russian weapons knew, but to defeat, as a result of which the prince was captured, and his squad was destroyed.

The dramaturgy of the opera is based on a comparison of two opposing worlds, two forces: the Russians - princes Igor with their son Vladimir and the squad, Princess Yaroslavna, her brother Vladimir Galitsky, and the Polovtsians - Khan Konchak, his warriors.

The action takes place: in the prologue, in the first and fourth acts - in the city of Putivl, in the second and third acts - in the Polovtsian camp.

Time: 1185

Prologue. In the ancient Russian city of Putivl, Prince Igor is going with his retinue on a campaign against the Polovtsians. The people solemnly praise the prince - the chorus "Glory to the Red Sun!" Suddenly the earth is enveloped in darkness - a solar eclipse begins. Seeing this as an unkind omen, the people and the boyars dissuade Igor; begs the prince to stay and his wife Yaroslavna. But Igor is adamant. Having entrusted the care of his wife to her brother Vladimir Galitsky, he leads his friend to battle with the enemy.

1st act: Galitsky took advantage of Igor's departure. Together with the servants, he roams and rages; the drunken gudochniks Skula and Eroshka, the troops fleeing from Igor, are leading a wild feast. Galitsky cherishes the dream of being a prince in Putivl, but for now he oppresses the inhabitants in every possible way. Having boldly kidnapped the girl, the prince chases away the girlfriends who have come to ask for her release.

The girls are looking for protection from the arrogant offender at Yaroslavna. But, despite all her determination and firmness, the princess is unable to cope with her brother. The boyars bring bad news: in an unequal battle, the whole army was killed, Igor was wounded and together with his son was taken prisoner, and hordes of Polovtsy were approaching Putivl. An alarming alarm is heard announcing an enemy invasion.

2nd act: Evening in the Polovtsian camp. Polovtsian girls entertain the daughter of Khan Konchakovna with songs and dances. But only a joyful meeting with her beloved prince Vladimir dispelled the beauty's sadness. Igor is in deep thought.

The image of Prince Igor is most vividly revealed by the composer in his aria. Nothing is nice to the prince, he is tormented by thoughts of an inglorious defeat, the fate of people close to him, thoughts about the Motherland. Prince Igor's aria opens with a short introduction by the orchestra. Heavy chords convey the hero's mental anguish. The introduction is followed by recitative-meditation ("No sleep, no rest for a tormented soul ..."). before Prince Igor's mind's eye, pictures flash: an eclipse of the sun (a harbinger of misfortune), the bitterness of defeat, the shame of captivity. A passionate appeal sounds in the music of the aria ("Oh, give, give me freedom ..."). A noble melody, full of deep soulfulness and warmth, is associated in Prince Igor's aria with memories of his wife, Yaroslavna, a faithful and beloved friend (middle section of the aria). All the above episodes of the aria make it possible to feel the tragedy experienced by Prince Igor. He, like the simple peasant Ivan Susanin, is concerned about the fate of his Motherland and strives to protect it with all his might.

The faithful Ovlur offers him an escape. Igor dreams of breaking free from captivity, but hesitates - it is not proper for the Russian prince to flee in secret. The warlike Khan Konchak is admired for his nobility and courage. He accepts Igor as a guest of honor. The Khan is even ready to let him go if Igor gives his word not to raise his sword against the Polovtsians. But Igor boldly declares that, having gained freedom, he will again gather regiments for the khan. To dispel the dark thoughts of the prince, Konchak orders the slaves to sing and dance.

With special skill, the composer reproduces the oriental flavor of music, creates melodies, colored with fanciful patterns, memorable rhythms. the enchanting melody of the choir of Polovtsian slave girls sounds, which is replaced by the warlike placa of men. HER is picked up by the Polovtsian chorus praising the Khan (Polovtsian Dances)

3rd act: The Khan's army returns with rich booty. Having learned from them about the misfortune that befell his native Putivl, Igor decides to escape and, when the guards fall asleep, negotiates with Ovlur. Konchakovna, who overheard this conversation, begs Vladimir not to leave her. But love fights in the soul of the prince with a sense of duty. Then Konchakovna awakens the sleeping camp and detains Vladimir; Igor manages to escape. The enraged khans demand the death of the prince, but Konchak declares Vladimir his son-in-law.

Act 4: Early in the morning in Putivl, Yaroslavna is crying bitterly on the city wall (Lament of Yaroslavna). In the musical description of Yaroslavna, the composer did not use truly folk melodies, but it is permeated with folk intonations of the ancient song genres of lamentation, lamentation (lamentations).

Yaroslavna addresses the wind, the sun, the Dnieper with a plea to return her dear Igor. Horsemen appear in the distance. This is Igor accompanied by Ovlur. They are seen by the stunned Skula and Eroshka. Dodgy Skula suggests ringing the bell to be the first to inform the people of the return of the prince. The trick works. To celebrate, the buzzers are forgiven. Together with the people, they greet Igor.

At the musical theater.

Ballet (from Italian balleto - to dance) arose during the Renaissance in the XIV-XV centuries. in Italy. At this time, they begin to distinguish between everyday dances as part of the way of life, intended for entertainment, and stage dances.

Ballet is a musical and dramatic work in which the action is conveyed by means of dance and pantomime. They perform a role similar to that of singing in opera. In both opera and ballet, the sound of a symphony orchestra is of great importance: music connects all elements of the drama together and, revealing the complex internal relationships of the characters, expresses the main idea of \u200b\u200bthe work.

Reading the program of a ballet performance, viewers can meet such French words as pas de deux (dance for two), pas de trois (dance for three), grand pas (big dance). This is the name of individual ballet numbers. And the beautiful Italian word adagio, denoting the tempo of the movement of music, in the ballet is called the slow lyrical dance of the main characters.

The main types of dance in ballet performance are classical and characteristic. Characteristic dances include movements common in folk and everyday culture. Classical dance is more conventional, rich in figurative symbolism, and its peculiarity lies in the fact that it is performed on pointe.

The director of the ballet performance is a choreographer (from German - balletmeister), who develops the general drama of the performance, thinks over the "drawing" of the dance, gestures and plastic solutions of images.

The conductor of the symphony orchestra plays an important role in the ballet performance. The main thing in his work is the ability to embody the composer's intention, to reveal the style of the work, combining them with the idea of \u200b\u200bthe choreographer-stage director, the personality of the solo dancers and the skill of the corps de ballet performing mass dance scenes.

The modern ballet performance differs in many respects from the classical one. It can include rhythmoplastic dances, pantomime, acrobatic elements, light and sound effects, original sets and costumes, and even singing (choirs). This is required by the new musical language of contemporary ballet.

Classical music ... Everyone understands this phrase in their own way. For some, these are light, airy melodies of Mozart, for others - cantatas and oratorios by Bach. Someone immediately recalls Strauss's merry waltzes and Chopin's incendiary polkas, while others recall Shostakovich's frantic symphonies. So who's 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 Musical Encyclopedia, we will find there several definitions of classical music.

In addition to the well-known and somewhat primitive definition of "serious music", we learn that it is:

• exemplary pieces of music by outstanding composers of the past that have stood the test of time;
• musical works written in 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 ancestor of classical music, because it takes its origins back in 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 appeared, 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 opened up unlimited new possibilities for creating musical works. The music of that era was characterized by pretentious forms, complexity, splendor, emotional fullness. It was then that Bach's fugues, Handel's oratorios, and Vivaldi's "The Four Seasons" were born.

But epochs replaced each other, times changed, people changed - and the music became different! Pretentiousness and splendor have been replaced by beautiful, light, airy, elegant music. Have you already guessed? Of course - this is Mozart, the ingenious and inimitable Mozart! Beauty and harmony are synonyms for his melodies. He flew like a comet over the era of Classicism, forever illuminating it with bright light.

At the end of the 18th century, another star of classical music rose to the musical horizon - Ludwig van Beethoven. He began to write music in the classical style inherited from Mozart. But real talent always brings something new with it, so 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, deeper, 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, I. 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 as Modernism. The outstanding representatives of this trend 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 a new era and promotes absolute creative freedom of the individual and a call for self-realization.

Summing 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 transmitted experiences with a variety of musical techniques. She has accompanied us for centuries. Its mysterious power lies in the fact that listening to it today, we experience the same feelings as the first listeners. And best of all, go to a concert or listen to a disc of classical music and let everyone decide for himself what this phrase means to him!

Music is one of the most ancient forms of art, which over time not only has not lost its relevance, but has become even more in demand and popular. Of course, it has a huge number of genres, types, directions and schools.

One of the largest trends in this art is classical music. There is a great variety of its types, which has been formed over several hundred years.

Concept

Before you start talking about the genres of classical music, you need to understand what exactly this term means.

Strictly speaking, it does not have a clearly defined meaning or definition, therefore it is used in a rather loose form and can have different meanings depending on the context.

Most often it is used synonymously with "academic". This is a kind of canon from which any piece of music should start.

Genres of classical music: history and modernity

Its appearance is associated with the era of European classicism. It was then that this trend in art was formed. It was based on the works of ancient authors and playwrights.

Hence, the key principles of classicism appeared, which can be formulated as balance, logic, clarity, harmony and completeness of the work, genre differentiation. As for the music, they could all be realized only in genres such as opera, oratorio and cantata.

Gradually, the musical directions of classical music developed, became more complex, rich and deviated from the primary canons.

Among the most prominent composers who specialized in works in this genre are J.S.Bach, A. Vivaldi, G. Rossini, G. Verdi, W. A. \u200b\u200bMozart and L. van Beethoven. The names of these great creators are known all over the world. Most people associate the very concept of "classical music" with the works of these cultural figures.

Today this type of art cannot be called dominant. But classical music is still popular and is quite in demand in narrow circles of connoisseurs. Among contemporary composers who can be safely ranked among the talented and recognized masters of their craft, one should single out Ludovico Einaudi, Philip Glass, Hans Zimmer, Li Ru Ma, etc.

Classical Music Genres: List

Over the centuries-old history of development, a large number of different genres and subgenres have been formed. Many of them are not popular today, but some remain afloat today.

Let's take a look at what genres are in classical music:

• Opera.
• Operetta.
• Cantata.
• Oratorio.
• Symphony.
• Sonata.
• Suite.
• Overture, etc.

Of course, there are many more. Only the main ones are listed here. There is no need to talk about the features and distinctive features of each of them within the framework of this article, but it is still worth considering some in more detail.

Features of genres

The first thing to consider is opera. After all, this is one of the first and most demanded elements of the classics as such. Opera is a musical and dramatic work, which is formed from a text component, action on stage and musical accompaniment. It differs from theatrical performance, where music acts as an auxiliary means, in that the melody plays a key role in it, forming the entire work.

The suite is one of the key elements of classical music. According to the description, the genre has a distinctive feature of its cyclical nature. In other words, it consists of several separate parts, in which the musical sound can vary greatly and even contrast with each other.

An example of a classical genre of music is also a sonata, which is a piece of music for a chamber orchestra. According to the canon, there is almost always a piano in it. As a rule, it is composed for a solo performance or a duet, but there are, of course, exceptions.

Examples of famous works

Over the long history of classical music, a huge number of works have appeared that are known throughout the world.

You can recall Mozart and his famous operas "The Marriage of Figaro", "Don Juan" and "The Magic Flute", which still sound interesting and relevant today. Also, everyone has heard Beethoven's 9 symphonies.

Bach's organ works or Verdi's operas are no less famous. No one will doubt their talent and genius. These creators are considered to be the best of their kind.

However, there are also many performers among contemporary composers, and the works of some of them are already considered masterpieces. For example, the outstanding contemporary composer Hans Zimmer often works with world-class films, composing soundtracks for them. He has worked on music for films such as The Lion King, Spirit: Stallion of the Prairie, Inception, Interstellar, Dunkirk and many others.

What are the genres in classical music, it was described above, and now some entertaining facts.

A 2015 study by Italian scientists proved that listening to Mozart's compositions stimulates the brain to be more active. Some of Beethoven's works produce the opposite effect on its activity. The process of increasing brain activity has been called the "Mozart Effect".

Another experiment was carried out in South Africa, the aim of which was to identify the influence of classical music on plants. As it turned out, from listening to Vivaldi's tunes, they grew a little faster, and their health also improved a little. However, scientists claim that the beneficial effect was achieved thanks to the vibrations emanating from musical instruments, and the melodies and sounds themselves do not have any effect.

Many classical composers were crazy. For example, E. Sati ate only white food and dishes, and for self-defense he always carried a hammer with him. A. Bruckner was fanatical about things and constantly counted everything; there are cases when he took out the skulls of Schubert and Beethoven from the coffins. Mozart also had very serious deviations in behavior: he loved to behave like a cat, even during rehearsals.

Finally

All the numerous genres of classical music exist and develop to this day. Among contemporary composers, there are practically no zealous conservatives left who clearly follow the canons of this art form. Almost all of them strive to bring something of their own into the genre, make it better, adapt it to their needs and modern realities.

Of course, most people prefer other musical directions than the classics. Therefore, in fact, today it is a kind of elite art form that is in demand among a relatively small number of people.