Portal:Classical music
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Classical music is the sweeping term applied to the musical tradition that is untethered and almost diametrically opposed to the popular music of contemporary culture. This music evokes classical traditions, focuses on formal styles, invites technical and detailed deconstruction and criticism, and demands focused attention from the listener. This music is associated with, and often compared to, fine art and high culture, bringing with it accusations of haughtiness and exclusivity on the part of its champions. The fact remains that many "classical" pieces were the popular music of their time, and have remained popular to this day. All the same, there is no question that the public taste for and appreciation of formal music of this type has generally waned, though periods of resurgence come and go. There is therefore a nostalgia associated with classical music.
The violoncello, almost always abbreviated to cello, or 'cello (the c is pronounced [tʃ] as the ch in "cheese"), is a stringed instrument and a member of the violin family. A person who plays a cello is called a cellist. The cello is popular in many capacities: as a solo instrument, in chamber music, and also as a foundation of the modern orchestral sound.
It is part of the standard orchestra and is the bass voice of the string quartet, as well as being part of many other chamber groups. A large number of concertos and sonatas have been written for it.
The cello is larger than the violin or the viola but smaller than the double bass. Like the other members of the violin family, the cello has four strings. Its strings are normally tuned to the pitches (from high to low) A, D, G, and C (A3, D3, G2, and C2 in scientific pitch notation). This is like the viola but one octave lower, and is one octave plus one fifth lower than the violin (see Tuning and range). It is played in an upright position between the legs of a seated musician, resting on a metal spike called the endpin. The player draws the bow horizontally across the strings. (more...)
... that the Octet in E-flat major was written for the unusual ensemble of a double string quartet (pictured) and composed by Mendelssohn when he was only 16 years old?
"Music is the one incorporeal entrance into the higher world of knowledge which comprehends mankind but which mankind cannot comprehend." —Ludwig van Beethoven
"Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent." —Victor Hugo
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