Classical

A musical period that lasted from around 1730 to 1820. Leading composers included Mozart, Haydn, and Beethoven. It is characterised by complex melodies, large orchestral pieces, and many different forms of compositon like the sonata. Classical music often requires 'Active Listening' to feel the full effect of the music, as opposed to the 'Passive Listening' many are used to when listening to modern music. Classical music also rarely has a lyrical part, and can be written for any number of instruments, from one to over one hundred.

Beethoven's fifth is one of the most widely known Classical pieces, with the opening melody having been compared to 'Fate, knocking on the door.'