The Sophisticated Ear: Why Classical Music Stands Apart in My Playlist
This is a continuation of a series. Part II, From Loudness Wars to Dynamic Range: A Return to Classical & Jazz
For my whole life I’ve known I loved Classical Music. I knew that I liked how it sounded. But that was about the limit to my knowledge of the genre. I had a familiarity with some of the primary instruments like the piano, violin, harpsichord, brass and drums. But I don’t fully know everything that comprises an orchestra and all of the other instruments. I have no education in music theory either. I just have Internet search engines to glean bits and pieces of information.
As I write this article I have been learning a little more about Classical Music and what goes into it. This learning comes from a desire to understand better why I like the genre so much, and why so much more at this point in my life.
Classical music has a structure and balance to it. Pieces often follow a formal structure like sonata form or symphonic form, with clear introductions, developments, and resolutions, typically called ‘movements.’ This sense of order and symmetry I find to be satisfying and enjoyable to listen to.
Classical music often features complex melodies, harmonies, and counterpoints that weave together to create rich textures. As a listener, I enjoy picking out these different layers and appreciating the skill involved in their composition and performance.
I also find the genre to be “clean” and “precise” compared to most Pop music. What I mean by clean is that in many pieces I can hear and decipher individual instruments and layers. During softer points, sometimes you can hear the musicians turn a page of sheet music, or cough quietly!
Lastly, there is something about Classical music that gives me a feeling of sophistication. I think that might be because we won’t hear Mozart or Beethoven in the Top 40 being played on repeat for weeks and months on end. Your typical Top 40 music is designed for wide appeal and commercial success.
As I said in the beginning of this series, I’ll listen to anything that tickles my ears. I still listen to some Pop music that I’ve grown up with or bands that I’ve long enjoyed. There is an exception however to what I’ll listen to. There are two specific genres that I completely detest and they are Rap and Country. It’s nails on a chalkboard to me and they get no play on my stereo. But Classical and Jazz are where it’s at for me these days.
