Classical music, with its rich history and intricate compositional styles, stands as a testament to human creativity, scholarship, and expression. The classical repertoire for the piano offers an endless variety of music for the concert stage, as well as social gatherings and other prestigious events around the globe. This classical piano guide, interspersed with listening examples, will discuss some of the popular conceptions about classical music, and explain some of its functions today that make the music as relevant as ever.

What Is Classical Piano Music?

I imagine that the Oxford Dictionary folks struggled to formulate their definition of classical music, and settled on something loose: “music written in a Western musical tradition, usually using an established form, generally considered to be serious and to have a lasting value.” As a pianist, I can think of exceptions to each of these four criteria in the repertoire for my instrument alone, proving that classical music really isn’t easy to define. 

One general consensus is that classical music is old music, i.e. stuffy music written by dead people. This is not untrue, given its history and long standing traditions. The genre, however, continues to evolve. Composers are still writing classical music today. New art music is diverse and experimental, and while few living classical composers have become household names, the work they are doing is certainly not old and boring. 

Composers like Mozart, Bach, and Debussy benefit from a Western musical heritage that is well-documented and widely taught. But not all classical music is European. Indian classical music and Chinese classical music, for example, may be less familiar to our ears but no less rooted in established forms and traditions.

It is best to define classical music in terms of what it is not. Classical music is not:

• Popular music for the masses (even though it used to be)

• Jazz, but it can sound jazzy at times

• Folk music (well, sometimes it is like this folk classical piano example)

• Made from computers (for the most part)

In spite of the contradictions, we know it when we hear it. 

Classical Vs. Jazz vs. Contemporary Piano

People often ask what classical music sounds like and wonder how classical music differs from jazz and contemporary music. It’s important to note that there can be significant overlap and variation within each style, as the range of styles and techniques for each is quite broad. However, the outline below summarizes some of the common characteristics of each style:

People study classical music in great depth for both performance and scholarship. It can be full of cultural references, literary symbolism, and even mathematical sequences. And not to mention, it’s hard to play! Maybe in the past century it was the Music of Academia, but this isn’t true now either, as pop music, dance music, and hip hop have each integrated the research canon alongside traditional art music. 

Classical music for the piano holds a special place in listeners’ hearts as a channel for expression and a symbol of sophistication. Some listeners used classical piano music to study or relax. For example, the poignant details of Chopin’s popular Raindrop Prelude and the sparse beauty of Erik Satie’s Gymnopédie No. 1 often make their way onto playlists of “relaxing piano music”. Whether this was the intent of the composers who wrote these pieces is irrelevant. In contrast to the dense, heavy-hitting sounds we hear in music production today, solo piano music sounds like a step back from the noise. 

Where Would I Hear Classical Piano?

Classical piano is most often performed in live concerts, film, television and marketing, social and corporate events, and ceremonies.

Live Concerts

Seeing a classical pianist perform in a live concert is a stunning experience, and a reminder that alongside these gentle moments are feats that require great physical stamina. There are no rules in contemporary recital programming, which means you can hear a classic Sonata by Beethoven juxtaposed with something completely new, like an arrangement of a popular song in a classical style. 

Film, Television, and Advertising

Classical music has found itself a home in advertising, television and film. Most film composers who write new scores are well-versed in the classical tradition. In addition, music supervisors can draw from the vast library of existing music to underscore visuals, creating drama and suspense, or can play upon the public’s impression of classical music to create humor and irony. An added bonus is that older music (in general, pieces over 100 years old, though copyright laws can vary from country to country) is in the public domain, which means that filmmakers don’t have to pay for the rights to use it.

Social and Corporate Events

Classical piano music can be a perfect accompaniment for upscale social gatherings and corporate events. Best of all, when the music is carefully selected, it probably won’t offend anyone. Classical piano music complements conversation and provides a beautiful musical backdrop for mingling, networking, and dining. For a more contemporary approach, try booking an ensemble that specializes in performing familiar tunes on classical piano.

Ceremonies

Galas, weddings, memorial services, and other events often use classical music to highlight formal elements that are rooted in tradition. While some of these classical piano “songs” have become cliché, there is no denying that any bride will look stunning and dignified walking down the aisle to Pachelbel’s Canon in D. Romantic piano music like MacDowell’s To A Wild Rose, is another popular alternative. 

Conclusion

The functions of classical piano music in our society are just as varied and diverse as the music’s history. Piano music can be a means of relaxation, a vehicle for artistic experimentation, pure entertainment, or a charming backdrop for the important moments in our lives. The staying power of the old classics suggests that there is something truly timeless about classical piano music; something to be respected, and something that retains its artistic value even long after its creators have gone.