Classical

Classical music refers to the European art music tradition composed primarily from the 17th to the early 20th century, though the term sometimes encompasses the entire Western written-music tradition. It includes the symphony, opera, chamber music, concerto and sonata, and rests on a codified tonal harmonic system, precise notation and an interpretative tradition passed on through teaching. Composers such as Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms and Mahler defined its major forms and fundamental aesthetic.

Musically, classical music is distinguished by its rich counterpoint and harmonic writing, the sophistication of its forms — fugue, sonata form, theme and variations — and the rigour of its performance practice. It calls upon the symphony orchestra, chamber ensembles and virtuoso soloists. The repertoire is vast, spanning Baroque, Classical, Romantic and Modern periods, each era having developed its own musical language and instrumental forces.

RENAUD CAPUCON is one of the most celebrated French violinists, frequently at the helm of major festivals. HANIA RANI embodies the porous boundary between contemporary classical music and neoclassical pop. HILARY HAHN is one of the great violinists of her generation, and Lindsey Stirling bridges classical and mainstream electronic music. JULIEN CHAUVIN and PIERRE FOUCHENNERET exemplify the excellence of French Baroque and Romantic performance.

Classical music festivals are among the oldest and most prestigious in the world: Salzburg, Aix-en-Provence, La Folle Journée in Nantes, the BBC Proms. Across Europe, the summer season is punctuated by open-air concerts and artist residencies. Find all festivals dedicated to classical music and related genres such as baroque and neoclassical.