An introduction to the vocabulary of classical music:
If you're new to classical music, the range of terminology can be confusing.
Even long-time fans can find it difficult to recall the many different forms of classical music and associated vocabulary.
So here's a short, introductory guide:
Even long-time fans can find it difficult to recall the many different forms of classical music and associated vocabulary.
So here's a short, introductory guide:
Symphony
A large-scale piece composed for a full orchestra, usually in four movements, each of which may have a different tempo, style, or theme.
And so a movement is a section of a symphony.
A large-scale piece composed for a full orchestra, usually in four movements, each of which may have a different tempo, style, or theme.
And so a movement is a section of a symphony.
Sonata
A piece of music usually composed for a solo instrument or a small instrumental ensemble which normally has two or three movements (and sometimes four).
A piece of music usually composed for a solo instrument or a small instrumental ensemble which normally has two or three movements (and sometimes four).
Nocturne
A short piece, usually for piano, which is evocative of the night. They often have a romantic quality.
A short piece, usually for piano, which is evocative of the night. They often have a romantic quality.
Γtude
From the French for "study", they are short solo pieces which explore a particular area of musical skill and allow the player to master it.
From the French for "study", they are short solo pieces which explore a particular area of musical skill and allow the player to master it.
Prelude
A short piece which sometimes acts as the introduction to a larger work. They may feature a small number of musical motifs which are repeated throughout, but Preludes vary wildly in style and form.
A short piece which sometimes acts as the introduction to a larger work. They may feature a small number of musical motifs which are repeated throughout, but Preludes vary wildly in style and form.
Concerto
A piece of music which features both a soloist and an orchestra, sometimes playing alone and sometimes at the same time. In some sense the two are competing, though they can also work together.
A piece of music which features both a soloist and an orchestra, sometimes playing alone and sometimes at the same time. In some sense the two are competing, though they can also work together.
Suite
An ordered set of individual movements or pieces, linked by theme or tonality. They can be for anything from a jazz band to a symphony orchestra.
An ordered set of individual movements or pieces, linked by theme or tonality. They can be for anything from a jazz band to a symphony orchestra.
March
A piece of music with a strong regular rhythm originally intended for military marches and indeed also for performance by a military band.
A piece of music with a strong regular rhythm originally intended for military marches and indeed also for performance by a military band.
Overture
Usually the introduction to an opera, ballet, or longer composition, an overture can also be a single-movement, standalone piece of music.
Usually the introduction to an opera, ballet, or longer composition, an overture can also be a single-movement, standalone piece of music.
Symphonic Poem/Tone Poem
A large scale, single-movement composition inspired by a non-musical work or thing (such as a poem or location) and which attempts to evoke the atmosphere or feeling of that thing.
A large scale, single-movement composition inspired by a non-musical work or thing (such as a poem or location) and which attempts to evoke the atmosphere or feeling of that thing.
Variation
Both a method and form of composition in which a single musical theme is repeated, but with major and numerous alterations.
Both a method and form of composition in which a single musical theme is repeated, but with major and numerous alterations.
Fantasia
A free-form musical composition which isn't regimented by a particular form and instead embodies the spirit of improvisation.
A free-form musical composition which isn't regimented by a particular form and instead embodies the spirit of improvisation.
Aria
A solo vocal piece from an opera, either with or without an orchestral accompaniment.
A solo vocal piece from an opera, either with or without an orchestral accompaniment.
Chamber Music
A piece of music composed for a small ensemble - one which could have fit inside a single room or chamber. Hence the name.
A piece of music composed for a small ensemble - one which could have fit inside a single room or chamber. Hence the name.
Opus
You'll often see the word Opus (or Op. for short) after the name of a piece of classical music, followed by a number.
This is a method of cataloguing the works of composers, who often produced huge amounts of music.
The Opus number is chronological.
You'll often see the word Opus (or Op. for short) after the name of a piece of classical music, followed by a number.
This is a method of cataloguing the works of composers, who often produced huge amounts of music.
The Opus number is chronological.
Eras
Classical music is divided into several broad, overlapping eras, each of which have their own subdivisions.
Medieval (500-1400)
Renaissance (1400-1600)
Baroque (1600-1750)
Classical (1750-1830)
Romantic (1830-1900)
Modern (1900-1950)
Contemporary (1950+)
Classical music is divided into several broad, overlapping eras, each of which have their own subdivisions.
Medieval (500-1400)
Renaissance (1400-1600)
Baroque (1600-1750)
Classical (1750-1830)
Romantic (1830-1900)
Modern (1900-1950)
Contemporary (1950+)
And that's a brief overview of some of the basic vocabulary of classical music.
There's plenty more, of course, but if you're just getting started this should help you orient yourself.
And once you can speak the language of classical music, it really starts to come to life!
There's plenty more, of course, but if you're just getting started this should help you orient yourself.
And once you can speak the language of classical music, it really starts to come to life!
If you found this interesting, then you may like my free weekly newsletter, Areopagus.
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Make your week more interesting, useful, and beautiful.
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