Classical music is the sweeping term applied to the musical tradition that is undethered 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.
典音樂可以指：
廣義的古典音樂是指西洋古典音樂,那些從西方中世紀(jì)開始至今的、在歐洲主流文化背景下創(chuàng)作的音樂,主要因其復(fù)雜多樣的創(chuàng)作技術(shù)和所能承載的厚重內(nèi)涵而有別于通俗音樂和民間音樂.
狹義的古典音樂是指古典主義音樂,是1750－1820年這一段時間的歐洲主流音樂,又稱維也納古典樂派.此樂派三位最著名的作曲家是海頓、莫扎特和貝多芬.