The term is applied to radically different compositions across more than 1,000 years of history. We need a better definition.

Whether you're new to the music or need a refresh on the key elements, everyone can learn something new about classical. There are many different types, eras, genres and subgenres of classical music.

Classical composers wrote many string quartets, with Mozart's 'Eine Kleine Nachtmusik' a good example. Another addition to musical structure in the classical period was the coda. A coda is the ...

The Romantic era is known for its intense energy and passion. The rigid forms of classical music gave way to greater expression, and music grew closer to art, literature and theatre. Beethoven ...

Try 1,000 years of music in this playlist from NPR Classical's Tom Huizenga, which explores everything from new releases to old favorites, and classics from the dawn of the recording era.

Advancing technology enabled the recording of classical music and jazz, which in turn lead to the rise of globe-straddling artists like Pavarotti and Callas. Music in the 20th Century changed ...