What is music?

Music is an art form that combines vocal or instrumental sounds for emotional expression and aesthetic form, typically following cultural standards of rhythm, melody, and harmony. It is a universal aspect of human society, permeating cultures worldwide in many styles.

What is orchestral music? And how does that differ from classical music?

Orchestral music refers to a musical composition written for an orchestra to play, and it can range from classical music to pop covers. Classical music is a style of music rooted in Western traditions that emphasizes formal composition, technical skill, and expressive depth. 

Classical Music Timeline

Baroque: 1600-1750 – Four Seasons -Antonio Vivaldi (1718-1723) 

Classical: 1750-1830 – Eine Kleine Nachtmusik -Wolfgang Amadè Mozart (1787)

Romantic: 1830-1900 – Liebestraum No. 3 in A-flat major -Franz Liszt (1850)

Modern: 1900-1975 – The Planets -Gustav Holst (1914-17)

Contemporary: 1975-today – Short Ride in a Fast Machine -John Adams (1986)

How does classical music connect to other forms of music today?

Orchestral music has left an undeniable influence on modern music. So many musical genres use techniques from orchestral music, like harmony and string instruments, and other genres will use part of an orchestral piece directly within the song (sampling). 

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