Classical music

Classical music, or art music, music composed by individuals and written for instruments, for voices, or for combinations of voices and instruments. Classical music is more complex than popular music (country, folk, rock, jazz). Christianity helped spread Western classical music, which began in ancient times. Instrumental music includes solo, chamber, and orchestral music. Perhaps the most popular chamber group is the string quartet, consisting of 2 violins, a viola, and cello. Opera combines a large orchestra with soloists and chorus, and tells a story. Nonwestern classical music includes the music of the highly developed cultures of India, China, and Japan.