Various moods of western classical music

What is common between Mozart, Chopin, Bach and Beethoven? They were all great composers of their time but more than that they are responsible for taking western classical music to a new height. Some of the greatest symphonies of all times have come from the heart of such innovative men who are revered in the world of western classical music.

The exact origin of western classical music is unknown but it I said to have been present in Europe and went through 7 eras's, each having its own definitive style and mood. The first era was the medieval period from 476 to 1400 then the Renaissance from 1400 to 1600, followed by Baroque from 1600 to 1760. The Classical era started around 1730 and exited till 1820, while the romantic era was from 1815 to 1910. The period of transition had begun soon afterwards and the two eras that followed was the 20th century from 1900 to 2000 and Contemporary classical music from 1975 till date.

Western Classical music is present in the form of musical notes, and is played by an orchestra comprising of musicians well versed in playing various instruments from the piano to the saxophone and from flute to violin. One of the great composers of classical music is Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Although Mozart has been often criticized for having complex musical notes, he has written 41 symphonies in total. Only two symphonies out of 41 have been written in minor keys. The Symphony 25 and 40 have both been written in G minor. The first opera he played for was La finta semplice in 1768 and the last one was Die Zauberflöte in 1791.

Another great composer of western classical music was Beethoven, who was supposedly the greatest composer of them all. His nine great symphonies have been played over and over again at various venues across the world by different orchestra groups. Beethovens most popular symphonies till date is the 3rd, 5th and the 9th symphony. The third symphony is also known as the Eroica Symphony and was performed in a private function for the first time in 1804. His last and 9th symphony is in D minor and came at a time when Beethoven had become completely deaf. The performance took place at Kärntnertortheater in Vienna in 1824.

The various moods of western classical music are set by the deep chords it strikes in the heart of those who listen to it. As you watch an orchestra perform Beethoven's 9th symphony or Mozart's 25th symphony, you become a part of the symphony itself as it slowly bares its soul.

Tags: music, classical, Mozart, Chopin, Bach, Beethoven

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