Classical Music Influence

Most people know that the (normally catchy) verse that repeats itself multiple times in modern songs is called a chorus, but what most people don’t know is that the chorus was created during the Baroque era of classical music. This was from the year 1750 to the year 1820 and is also known as the “golden age of music.” An increase in instruments and instrumental music, as well as an increase in solo voices really define this classical music era. During this time, the sonata, symphony, fugue, concerto, the opera, and mixed vocal-instrumental music styles were born.
Baroque music forms a major portion of the "classical music" canon, and is now widely studied, performed, and listened to.This style of classical music is the first that comes to mind when one considers “Classical” music. Handel, Vivaldi, and Monteverdi were prevalent during the Baroque era.

The Classical era followed the Baroque era and took the structures of classical movement into different creative directions. It was during this era that Mozart, Hadyn, and Beethoven composed their music.

Classical music is normally very serious and conventional, and closely follows certain musical principles. Because of this, many people don’t recognize the connection between music and composers from the classical era to modern genres and artists.

Mozart, Beethoven, Bach, and many other composer’s music continues to be played and listened to around the world today. Classical music is a genre that has stood the test of time, in more ways than one. Classical music structure and inspiration has continued to shape the way music is written across genres.

Classical music was never written to transcend generations, but that is exactly what it did. People listen to classical music when the want to study, when they want to wind down and relax, when they want to hear the passionate instrumentals, and when they want to feel the emotions that classical music evokes.

People listen to classical music without even knowing that they are. The genre has made its way into movie soundtracks, video game backgrounds, cartoons, and you can even find it hidden in quite a bit of mainstream music.

Many popular songs today are based on a few main chords and sequences that originated during the classical era.
A lot of artists, such as Radiohead, Muse, and OneRepublic, include classical styles of sweeping string bands, complex piano and organ music, unconventional time signatures, and reliance on harmonies. Some artists also get their inspiration directly from specific composers and pieces from the classical era.
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The band Little Mix used Pavane’s “Fauré” in their song, “Little Me.” The intro to Lady Gaga’s popular single, “Alejandro,” is the tune from Monti’s “Csárdás.” Beyoncé even made her own version of Shubert’s “Ave Marie.” All of these artists have been influenced strongly by classical music, and modern artists continue to take cues from the classical era.