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Browse Catalogue - Classical Genres
Classical Genres
Symphony
The most popular of all orchestral forms, the Symphony has often been regarded as the highest achievement that a composer can aspire to. From the early symphonies of Haydn to the exultant highs and lows of Mahler it posesses a noble lineage.
The most popular of all orchestral forms, the Symphony has often been regarded as the highest achievement that a composer can aspire to. From the early symphonies of Haydn to the exultant highs and lows of Mahler it posesses a noble lineage.
Concerto
The eternal duel between the soloist and the orchestra has proved fascinating listening down the centuries since the concerto genre was first invented. In terms of the number of works written, the violin and the piano hold sway but there are countless classic examples for other instruments of the orchestra.
The eternal duel between the soloist and the orchestra has proved fascinating listening down the centuries since the concerto genre was first invented. In terms of the number of works written, the violin and the piano hold sway but there are countless classic examples for other instruments of the orchestra.
Orchestral
Beyond the traditional symphony and concerto there is a wealth of great orchestral music, from the lush tone poems of Richard Strauss to the sublime miniatures of Frederick Delius, or stirring contemporary works from John Adams or Philip Glass.
Beyond the traditional symphony and concerto there is a wealth of great orchestral music, from the lush tone poems of Richard Strauss to the sublime miniatures of Frederick Delius, or stirring contemporary works from John Adams or Philip Glass.
Light Music
Music does not always have to be serious or contain deep meaning to be enjoyed. There are those composers, Johann Strauss II or Offenbach, who have thrived on ‘musical froth’ and music would certainly be a duller place without the sound of champagne corks being popped.
Music does not always have to be serious or contain deep meaning to be enjoyed. There are those composers, Johann Strauss II or Offenbach, who have thrived on ‘musical froth’ and music would certainly be a duller place without the sound of champagne corks being popped.
Chamber
If the orchestral, choral and operatic genres reflect the public side of the composer then the chamber genre reveals their most intimate feelings. Poignancy, exuberance, tormented despair are just some of the myriad emotions that can be expressed with just a small ensemble of instruments.
If the orchestral, choral and operatic genres reflect the public side of the composer then the chamber genre reveals their most intimate feelings. Poignancy, exuberance, tormented despair are just some of the myriad emotions that can be expressed with just a small ensemble of instruments.
Choral
Choral music has been used alongside that of prayer to praise or plead to God. It is the bedrock of the Western musical tradition and has provided some of its most heart-stopping moments like the Hallelujah chorus or the overwhelming Dies Irae of Verdi’s Requiem.
Choral music has been used alongside that of prayer to praise or plead to God. It is the bedrock of the Western musical tradition and has provided some of its most heart-stopping moments like the Hallelujah chorus or the overwhelming Dies Irae of Verdi’s Requiem.
Vocal
A catch-all term for music for voices that doesn’t quite fit in with other classical vocal genres. It can include cantatas for solo voice, for example or a mixed repertoire recital. Take a plunge and see what you find!
A catch-all term for music for voices that doesn’t quite fit in with other classical vocal genres. It can include cantatas for solo voice, for example or a mixed repertoire recital. Take a plunge and see what you find!
Lieder & Song
The Art Song began in the Classical era but only really shot to prominence with Romanticism. The German Lied is the most prominent but other countries have also added valuable contributions to the genre such as the French Chanson and the English pastoral song.
The Art Song began in the Classical era but only really shot to prominence with Romanticism. The German Lied is the most prominent but other countries have also added valuable contributions to the genre such as the French Chanson and the English pastoral song.
Opera
Opera is the ultimate stage work, a fusion of drama, poetry and music that provided the inspiration to many of the greatest composers in classical music. Once you enter the world of opera you will find it very difficult to leave, populated with unforgettable characters as Norma, Figaro, Wotan and Violetta.
Opera is the ultimate stage work, a fusion of drama, poetry and music that provided the inspiration to many of the greatest composers in classical music. Once you enter the world of opera you will find it very difficult to leave, populated with unforgettable characters as Norma, Figaro, Wotan and Violetta.
Operetta
The lighter side of the operatic repertoire - the perfect pick-me-up. Operetta is farce, pathos and music all rolled into one. Operetta comprises more national characteristics of the composer than any other genre; whether it is the fin-de-siecle Viennese of Die Fledermaus or the late Victorian satirical comedy of G&S.
The lighter side of the operatic repertoire - the perfect pick-me-up. Operetta is farce, pathos and music all rolled into one. Operetta comprises more national characteristics of the composer than any other genre; whether it is the fin-de-siecle Viennese of Die Fledermaus or the late Victorian satirical comedy of G&S.
Ballet
Ballet, the art of dance set to music, has produced many of the most loved pieces of music in the repertoire, with the French and the Russians dominating the genre. It can be classically inspired like Giselle, modernist like the revolutionary Rite of Spring or just simply wonderful, like Swan Lake.
Ballet, the art of dance set to music, has produced many of the most loved pieces of music in the repertoire, with the French and the Russians dominating the genre. It can be classically inspired like Giselle, modernist like the revolutionary Rite of Spring or just simply wonderful, like Swan Lake.
Stage Works
Music has been used for centuries as providing a background or scene-setting for plays. In certain respects it is the equivalent of today’s film score. Many such works have attained a greater popularity outside of their original use. Mendelssohn’s marvelously illustrative music to A Midsummer Night’s Dream is a case in point.
Music has been used for centuries as providing a background or scene-setting for plays. In certain respects it is the equivalent of today’s film score. Many such works have attained a greater popularity outside of their original use. Mendelssohn’s marvelously illustrative music to A Midsummer Night’s Dream is a case in point.
Musical
The Musical emerged out of, and superseded, the operetta. It is a musical genre that America can rightfully be proud of originating and has sustained the concept of popular music theatre through the twentieth century and beyond. The Broadway Musical is the stuff of legend and music would be impoverished without it.
The Musical emerged out of, and superseded, the operetta. It is a musical genre that America can rightfully be proud of originating and has sustained the concept of popular music theatre through the twentieth century and beyond. The Broadway Musical is the stuff of legend and music would be impoverished without it.
Film Score
Film and music have been inextricably linked since the days when a pianist would add atmosphere to a silent movie. A movie today is unthinkable without its attendant film score. Hollywood made legends of émigrés Erich Korngold and Franz Waxman and the later homegrown talent of Jerry Goldsmith and John Williams.
Film and music have been inextricably linked since the days when a pianist would add atmosphere to a silent movie. A movie today is unthinkable without its attendant film score. Hollywood made legends of émigrés Erich Korngold and Franz Waxman and the later homegrown talent of Jerry Goldsmith and John Williams.
Brass & Military
The sound of brass instruments provides some of the most thrilling moments in music. Their use as martial instruments goes back to prehistory and forward in time to the military bands of today. The brass band has also established a niche for itself and an extensive repertoire has built up around it.
The sound of brass instruments provides some of the most thrilling moments in music. Their use as martial instruments goes back to prehistory and forward in time to the military bands of today. The brass band has also established a niche for itself and an extensive repertoire has built up around it.
Collections
You’ve arrived at the part of the store that provides you with all the best bits from classical music with which you can dip into. Perfect for newcomers to the music or as a backdrop to a social gathering long car journey. Take your pick from operatic, orchestral, composer-led compilations and many more.
You’ve arrived at the part of the store that provides you with all the best bits from classical music with which you can dip into. Perfect for newcomers to the music or as a backdrop to a social gathering long car journey. Take your pick from operatic, orchestral, composer-led compilations and many more.
Crossover
In a sense crossover has always existed in the history of recorded classical music; Enrico Caruso singing Neapolitan songs or the orchestral pops collections are two examples. However over the last ten years Crossover has become a genre unto itself where you will find many of today’s most popular vocal and instrumental stars.
In a sense crossover has always existed in the history of recorded classical music; Enrico Caruso singing Neapolitan songs or the orchestral pops collections are two examples. However over the last ten years Crossover has become a genre unto itself where you will find many of today’s most popular vocal and instrumental stars.
Instrumental
The solo instrument on its own ,shorn of extra musical support, still possesses the drama of a full orchestral piece. Witness the raging Beethoven sonata or the sublime baroque poise of Bach’s works for solo cello. Clear cut and unadorned.
The solo instrument on its own ,shorn of extra musical support, still possesses the drama of a full orchestral piece. Witness the raging Beethoven sonata or the sublime baroque poise of Bach’s works for solo cello. Clear cut and unadorned.
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AMG Portions of Content Provided by All Music Guide © 2008 All Media Guide, LLC.
All Music Guide is a registered Trademark of All Media Guide, LLC.
© 2008 Passionato Ltd. Passionato and the Passionato logo are registered trademarks in the UK and other countries. All rights reserved.
iTunes© is a registered trademark of Apple Inc. Apple is not a partner or sponsor of Passionato.
AMG Portions of Content Provided by All Music Guide © 2008 All Media Guide, LLC.
All Music Guide is a registered Trademark of All Media Guide, LLC.
© 2008 Passionato Ltd. Passionato and the Passionato logo are registered trademarks in the UK and other countries. All rights reserved.
iTunes© is a registered trademark of Apple Inc. Apple is not a partner or sponsor of Passionato.
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