The “classical music period” is the historical and stylistic era that spanned from about the mid 18th century through the early parts of the 19th century. During this time, music–and the world in general–were going through some important changes. Music was being made more available to the common man, rather than just the rich and the royal. Public concerts became available. The “symphony” was invented as well as the string quartet. In politics, democracy was being tried as a modern form of government. (something about the years 1776 and 1787 rings a bell) Mozart and Haydn were two of the most important composers of this period. Beethoven is also associated with this period, but is actually more of a transitional composer, taking musical style into the “romantic” era.
NOW, as for the term “classical music,” I would call it music that has withstood the test of time and represents the best that a given era had to offer. My daughter calls it “music written by dead people.” That would justifiably include J.S. Bach as well as Jerry Garcia. the pop music of today that future people want to put on concert programs in 100 years would be classical music, just like Bach, Beethoven, and Brahms would hold that distinction today.
Always listen to the genuine article. Style (imitations) are a fraud – as phony as a two dollar bill.
Classical Music Style refers to music which has been regarded as not meant for an entirely contemporary audience, or has been written before a certain time period and has generally been adopted into the Classical style, and not the genre of folk music. Classical Music Period is a specific era of Classical Music, generally regarded as starting after the Death of Johann Sebastian Bach (the last of the great Boroque composers: J. S. Bach is the man!) and ending somewhere around Beethoven’s life; much of Beethoven’s early music is classical in style, but his music is the point at which music started to resemble more the Romantic Era, which is characterized by “Feeling Deeply”, and not necessarily just romance or love, but anger, hate, joy, etc. etc.
classical music style has become a term to encompass everything that is “art music” whereas the classical music period is art music composed in the 18th century. key composers include clementi, mozart, haydn, and early works by beethoven. beethoven was a key figure in the transition between the classical period and the romantic period that followed.