Classical Vs Baroque

While thinking about how to define classical music, two words come to mind "timeless elegance." As with previous genres of music, one can notice the huge impact that social, political, and cultural background of the days made on the growth and development of the classical music. Compared with grand, elaborate, and even somewhat "heavy" compositions of the Baroque period, which often was written to portray wealth and power of the royalty, classical music was geared toward a wider audience. The invention and improvement of the musical instruments, a creation of the symphonic orchestra as we know it, development of transportation, enhancement of the printing process, and evolvement of the new layer of society, the middle class, brought new opportunities to the music creators.

Unlike their predecessors, who either remained unknown or allowed certain room for improvisation of their compositions, the musicians of the classical period took pride and ownership in their works and had a very specific notations for an accompaniment. Although musical compositions from both, the Baroque and Classical era have certain similarities, there are several very distinct qualities, characterizing the classical music. The Baroque arrangements often were written upon request for a certain event or religious ceremony. Hence, they portrayed a particular emotion or mood and typically had the ABA form. On the contrary, the composers of the classical era enjoyed a liberty to reflect a wide range of dynamics and contrasting themes in their work. Maestros of the classical age, vividly incorporate a variety of rhythmic patterns, unexpected changes in the tempo, tonalities, texture, and dynamics. Despite portraying such a wealth of emotions, the classical music remains well-balanced and