What is Classical Music?
Classical music is one of the most popular styles of music in the world. With its rich, emotional sound and centuries-old history, it has captivated audiences for generations. And now you can appreciate this musical genre even more with this brief look into the instruments that are used in classical music.
Instruments Used In Classical Music
There are many different types of instruments that can be utilized to create a symphony or concerto for an orchestra or band. This includes everything from violins and pianos to harpsichords and drums:
* Violin: A stringed instrument played by drawing a bow across its strings to produce melodious sounds (also called violinist)
* Piano: A keyboard instrument, whose strings are struck by hammers, which is used to create melodies and harmonies (also called pianist)
* Viola: A stringed instrument, which is about one third larger than a violin and tuned an octave lower, thatis played with a bow or plucked (also called violist)
* Cello: A stringed instrument, which is the lowest-pitched member of the violin family, that is played with a bow or plucked (also called cellist)
* Flute: An aerophone instrument that is made up of a tube which has holes for fingers and sound produces notes by blowing into it (also called flautist)
* Oboe: A double reeded woodwind instrument that is sounded by blowing across a gap in its neck where there are several keys (also called oboist)
* Clarinet: A single-reed woodwind instrument that is sounded by blowing into a mouthpiece with a tiny, wooden reed (also called clarinetist)
* Bassoon: A double reeded woodwind instrument that is sounded by blowing into a mouthpiece with a tiny, wooden reed (also called bassoonist)
* French Horn: An orchestral and concert band instrument that produces sound by vibrating air in an elongated metal tube (also called horn player)
* Trombone: A brass instrument, which uses a slide to change the pitch, that is played by blowing air into it or by using the tongue to pressurize the bell (also called trombonist)
* Trumpet: A brass instrument that produces sound when its compressed air stream is directed against its lips to produce a buzzing sound (also called trumpeter)
* Tuba: A brass instrument that produces low, resonant sounds and is played by blowing into it or by using a plunger-type mouthpiece
* Timpani: A percussion instrument that consists of a set of drums tuned to specific pitches, which is played with drumsticks (also called tympanist)
* Percussion: A general category that refers to all the instruments that are played by striking them, such as drums, cymbals, and xylophones.
Looking to get the most out of your listening session see our article Get the Most From Classical Music Listening
Music is a beautiful and intricate art form, which has captivated audiences for centuries with its rich sound. Classical music in particular can be traced back to the 16th century where it began as an offshoot of Baroque music. One of the most interesting aspects about classical music is how instrumentalists are not limited by what they play because there are so many different instruments that make up this style of music from violins to timpani drums. If you want to experience some classical tunes on your own time, check out Spotify’s “Classical Music Radio Station” or listen while reading one of these classics: “War & Peace” by Leo Tolstoy; “Crime And Punishment” by Fyodor Dostoevsky; “The Brothers Karamazov” by Fyodor Dostoevsky.