Western Classical music - Dummies guide
After years of listening to Western classical music without understanding the head or tail, I decided to get myself educated. I borrowed the book "The NPR guide to building a classical CD Collection" from the Library which has definitely given me a much better understanding of this art form and the "best collection & composers" that I should look out for.
I am humbly presenting a few things that I have learnt in the past few weeks. My understanding is still very rudimentary but I hope it throws some light into this complex art form.
What are the broad different types music forms in Western Classical music ?
Orchestral Works : Orchestra is a large body of diverse instruments that sound together. The Orchestra , in general, is dominated by the string instruments which can be divided into four groups - First Violins, Second Violins, Violas, Basses ( Cellos & string basses). Commonly used wind instruments include flutes, oboes, scores and occasionally horns & trumpets.
The Symphony ( meaning " sounding together") emerged in the 18th century and typically consists of four movements - Opening movement in lively tempo, lyrical slow movement, a minuet and a brisk finale. The Symphony still remains the pinnacle of Orchestral works.
Concertos : Solo concerto are musical forms dedicated to unique instruments ( such as Piano concerto or Violin concerto) and consists of three movements - Sonata, Aria ( slow temp) and Rondo. In concertos the main focus is on virtuosity, with the soloist often being treated as the hero.
Chamber Music : Is meant to be played in a room ( rather than a large public space) and could consist of either solo instruments or multi-movement compositions. Some popular forms of Chamber music are the string quartets ( usually two violins, viola and a cello) and quintet.
Solo Keyboard Works : Popular forms are either Organ or Harpischord based. The Piano later emerged as the most popular form of Solo works.
Sacred & Choral music : The Choral music consists of skilled choirs singing music dedicated to the God. Choral compositions consists of genres such as cantata & oratorio and involves solo singers, chorus and orchestra.
Opera : A theatrical style dramatic singing where the music is part of human drama that people enact on the screen.
After years of listening to Western classical music without understanding the head or tail, I decided to get myself educated. I borrowed the book "The NPR guide to building a classical CD Collection" from the Library which has definitely given me a much better understanding of this art form and the "best collection & composers" that I should look out for.
I am humbly presenting a few things that I have learnt in the past few weeks. My understanding is still very rudimentary but I hope it throws some light into this complex art form.
What are the broad different types music forms in Western Classical music ?
Orchestral Works : Orchestra is a large body of diverse instruments that sound together. The Orchestra , in general, is dominated by the string instruments which can be divided into four groups - First Violins, Second Violins, Violas, Basses ( Cellos & string basses). Commonly used wind instruments include flutes, oboes, scores and occasionally horns & trumpets.
The Symphony ( meaning " sounding together") emerged in the 18th century and typically consists of four movements - Opening movement in lively tempo, lyrical slow movement, a minuet and a brisk finale. The Symphony still remains the pinnacle of Orchestral works.
Concertos : Solo concerto are musical forms dedicated to unique instruments ( such as Piano concerto or Violin concerto) and consists of three movements - Sonata, Aria ( slow temp) and Rondo. In concertos the main focus is on virtuosity, with the soloist often being treated as the hero.
Chamber Music : Is meant to be played in a room ( rather than a large public space) and could consist of either solo instruments or multi-movement compositions. Some popular forms of Chamber music are the string quartets ( usually two violins, viola and a cello) and quintet.
Solo Keyboard Works : Popular forms are either Organ or Harpischord based. The Piano later emerged as the most popular form of Solo works.
Sacred & Choral music : The Choral music consists of skilled choirs singing music dedicated to the God. Choral compositions consists of genres such as cantata & oratorio and involves solo singers, chorus and orchestra.
Opera : A theatrical style dramatic singing where the music is part of human drama that people enact on the screen.
Labels: Dummies guide, Western Classical music
posted by Cogito at
Saturday, August 08, 2009
2 Comments:
A relative has recently published a new book on Western Classical Music titled 'Beethoven and Friends' (by Kishore Chatterjee), with the sole aim of introducing WCM to the current generation. Might be a worthwhile read as well.
By
Abhishek Chatterjee, at 10:30 AM
Wow, that is cool. I will try to get a copy of that or if you have one, may be I will borrow from u.
By
Cogito, at 10:23 PM
Post a Comment
<< Home