by Wayne Leon Learmond

Created on: March 05, 2010   Last Updated: December 12, 2011

Classical Music is a genre that will never die. Indeed, like all other forms of music it touches the soul and makes the heart soar taking the mind to another time and place. In the 21st century, music, like all things, has moved on, with Rap and Rock dominating the airwaves. But has music, despite the new genres, really moved on? It seems that no matter what 'Age' Human Beings happen to occupy, music is a constant, and always will be.

But it is in Classical Music that we are interested in here. The history of Classical Music is a long one, and dates back to between at least  c.1750- c.1830.  It was during this period - which was known as the Classical Period  -  that gave rise to the Sonata.  Instrumental Compositions where dominated by this form of music - and still are to this day.  It has to be said that the Sonata was responsible for the development of the Symphony {Modern Concerto, Symphony,Trio and Quartet.}

Classical Music has a rich history, and has been responsible for some of the greatest pieces of musical work that has ever been created. Yet, it cannot be ignored that more than a lot of people, especially the young, find Classical Music boring, and uninspiring. They believe that the genre has had its day, and belongs firmly in the dark and distant past. Or that Classical Music is not for them because only those who happen to be old, rich and posh, listen to such things.

Classical Music carries a stigma around it which it has found hard to shake off over the years.  Indeed, the vast majority of people are prejudiced towards it. They simply fail to see the beauty within a classical composition, how each instrument, and indeed human voices too, compliment each other and work as a team: piano fading out, violins coming in, violins fading out, voices coming in. Classical Music is more akin to an ocean wave, moving out, and then in...

It seems that with all the negativity that the genre has generated over the years, as being staid and boring, and only for a certain type of person, that Classical Music is dying a slow lingering death? This is so far from the truth. Classical Music has survived  for years, and will continue to survive. Indeed, the genre is itself becoming more 'mainstream' as it seeks to break down the barriers that have kept certain ears from hearing the tunes.

Classical Artists such as  young Ukrainian musician, Vanessa Mae, have made the genre more approachable to young people. And it is through young musicians like her that the war will be won in the fight to keep Classical Music alive in all of our hearts. Classical Music is beautiful, and all it needs is a little time to relax and really appreciate it. From Piano Concertos, to Violin Concertos. From Beethoven's wonderful Sonatina for Piano in F Major, to Handel's brilliant 'Zadok the Priest', one can only marvel at the complexity, and beauty, of Classical Music in all its forms.

Classical Music will survive, indeed, it is the great survivor of the musical world. While there are people with enough love within their hearts to keep the genre alive, then Classical Music will never die. Put some time aside and really listen when you have the chance. Listen to music that can, and will, make the heart soar.

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