Closer Look: Classical Music

Firstly, although Closer Look normally zooms in on one year in particular, we decided to broaden the scope for this week’s genre, Classical Music.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is 9-©Mann__ADM3119-800x533-1.jpg — Yo-Yo Ma

We chose to use a bigger lens this time around because Classical Music has been around forever and has had several moments where one could argue that it peaked. From Beethoven and Mozart in the 18th century to Philip Glass and co. of more recent times, Classical Music offers some of the most intricate, beautiful music on Earth.

Rarely will a modern three minute track have the dense layers and broad structure of a classical piece. The live performed symphony rings with a cleaner sparkle than preset string sounds and the long form makes for a journey rather than a highlight. Each expressive instrument seems to burn brighter, carrying more weight and pomp than your average four piece band. But what’s most important about classical work are the stories that it tells, the feelings that it evokes. You can use your imagination to paint pictures around the beautiful melodies from the classical era, but in many cases there’s a strong attachment to a newer work.

Enjoy and subscribe to the latest Closer Look above! Scroll down for our favorite pieces of Classical Music

Classical music is an emotional journey, one that guides the listener across a landscape of tension and ultimate resolution. That is why classical music plays such an essential role in cinema today. The staying power is clear to anyone who’s acquainted with modern culture; just look at a film like 2001: A Space Odyssey. Though classical music is by no means topping the charts in the 21st century, it remains a huge part of modern culture and is the inspiration for art across all mediums.