- Also called:
- Western Classical music or Western art music
- On the Web:
- Humanities LibreTexts - Baroque and Classical Music (Nov. 06, 2026)
Classical music
What is Classical music?
How did Classical music evolve during the Baroque era?
What were key developments in 20th-century Classical music?
Classical music, a broad tradition of Western music that emphasizes formal composition, technical skill, and expressive depth. With its roots in the liturgical and secular traditions of Europe, it is one of the most influential and enduring forms of musical expression, having shaped not only the development of modern genres but also cultural and intellectual life across centuries. Classical music is sometimes also referred to as “Western art music,” so as to distinguish it from non-Western forms of music, which may also be described under the term classical music.
- Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750): Master of counterpoint and harmony whose works are the foundation of Western music theory
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756–91): Prodigy whose operas, symphonies, and concertos set a benchmark for musical perfection
- Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827): Revolutionary figure who expanded the symphony and bridged Classical and Romantic music
- Richard Wagner (1813–83): Transformative opera composer, innovator of leitmotifs and large-scale music dramas
- Franz Schubert (1797–1828): Pioneer of lieder (art songs) and lyrical symphonies; influenced Romantic expression
- Frédéric Chopin (1810–49): Redefined piano music with unmatched poetic and technical depth
- Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840–93): Renowned for his ballets, symphonies, and emotionally charged melodies
- Claude Debussy (1862–1918): Founder of Impressionism; broke from traditional tonality and inspiring modern composers
- Igor Stravinsky (1882–1971): Shattered conventions of rhythm and harmony with works such as The Rite of Spring
- Arnold Schoenberg (1874–1951): Creator of the 12-tone technique; reshaped 20th-century music
Classical music emerged in the Middle Ages and has evolved since, traversing distinct stylistic periods. Throughout the 10th to 13th century the musical form began to take shape through the development of staff notation, the rise of early polyphony (such as organum), and the systematic teaching of music theory, marking a shift from oral chant traditions to a written and more complex musical art form. During the Baroque era (1600–1750) Classical music became more elaborate and expressive, marked by the rise of opera, the use of ornamentation, the development of major and minor tonalities, and the creation of complex instrumental forms such as the concerto, sonata, and fugue. The Classical period (1750–1820) emphasized clarity and proportion, with the rise of the symphony and string quartet and elevation of the sonata; works of composers such as Joseph Haydn, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and early Ludwig van Beethoven began to shape the foundations of modern Western music. Classical music expanded in emotional expression and scale in the Romantic era (19th century), featuring larger orchestras and richer harmonies, with Beethoven and other composers, such as Frédéric Chopin and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, pushing music toward greater individuality and dramatic intensity.
In the 20th century Classical music departed from traditional tonality and form in pursuit of diverse styles, ranging from Modernism and Impressionism to Minimalism and Experimentalism. Composers such as Igor Stravinsky, Claude Debussy, and Arnold Schoenberg redefined the boundaries of musical expression. In the 21st century the art form has embraced globalization and technology, blending traditional forms with digital media, cross-genre experimentation, and diverse cultural influences, while reaching audiences through new platforms and innovative performance practices. For more information, see Western music.
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