Test Drive Guide to Classical Music
Classical music is a broad-brush term for a wide range of music written any time since the 14th century. Classical music takes a number of forms including art-song, Gregorian music, madrigals, chamber music, opera and symphony. It's probably easier to define classical music by what it is not - folk, popular or jazz music.
People who watch film or television are already familiar with the power of classical music. It's unimaginable to think of Kubrik's 2001, A Space Odyssey without Strauss' The Blue Danube Waltz. The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert featured Verdi's Sempre Libera. Alien used Mozart and Austin Powers Goldmember used Beethoven and Elgar to enhance our movie experience.
The advertising industry also harnesses the emotive power of classical music. The Australian Army Reserve employed Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture, Pizza Hut likes Puccini, Lego's pasta uses Verdi and Wagner's Ride of the Valkyries is the choice of Reflex copy-paper (which also featured in the film Apocalypse Now).
Why should I Test Drive a classical music concert?
It's all about being there. At a classical music concert, watching the musicians is similar to watching international athletes in top form. The mastery, physicality, concentration and skills on show are thrilling to witness. The sensuality of the cello, the roar of the percussion and the uplifting sounds of the violins need to be experienced to be appreciated.
When do I applaud?
The same basic rules apply as outlined in the Making the most of your Test Drive Performance guide. There is however, one little trick to look out for. Some works in classical music have three or more movements or sections, with a short pause between them. The audience generally does not applaud during these short breaks. The concert program will show you where these breaks occur. However, please do not be too concerned - lots of people clap during these breaks and no-one has ever been ejected from a concert for applauding!
Composition of an Orchestra
A full symphony orchestra fills a large stage. Here's a quick overview of who's who in the orchestra.
Strings are at the front. On stage left are the violins, followed left to right by violas and cellos. The double basses are at the back on the right.
Woodwind instruments sit behind the strings. Flutes and oboes are in the first row and clarinets and bassoons in the second row. You might also notice piccolo, cor anglais (a large and lower pitched oboe), bass clarinet or contra bassoon if the music requires very high or low notes.
Brass sits behind the woodwind section. French horns are to the left and trumpets, trombones and tubas are on the right.
Percussion is located at the back of the orchestra, usually dominated by the kettle drums or timpani.
Periods of Classical Music
- Before 1400 - Medieval which is characterised by religious Gregorian chants
- 1400 -1600 - Renaissance which introduced secular music, madrigals and art-song
- 1600 -1750 - Baroque which is known for its intricate and flowery orchestrations
- 1750 -1820 - Classical period which is more balanced and structured
- 1820 -1900 - Romantic which is more emotional and uses big sounds
- 1900 - now - 20th and 21st Century where anything goes.