05/09/2026
Classical music has blessed us with timeless musical motifs, many of which have inspired later innovations — like the trill technique in heavy metal and groovy synth-pop beats. So many of the greatest pop hits, from Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling In Love” to Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance,” have sampled classical music. But tell people that you’re a fan of the genre and you’ll likely get an eye roll and be labeled a snob (or at best, a bore).
The genre has long been associated with the palates of high society. The alienating nature of classical music jargon certainly doesn’t help — what’s an opus, a sonata, or a crescendo? With the synth-heavy bops that we’re digging right now, it may come as a surprise that classical music is making a comeback.
In recent years, more budding classical music enthusiasts have been dipping their toes into this instrumental treasure trove. The trend intensified amid the pandemic, as classical tunes provided soothing quarantine companionship. Rather than scrutinizing every piece with astute musical literacy, people are now listening to classical music to help them relax, focus, or go to sleep.
So it’s official. Classical music is no longer a snobby pursuit for highbrow aficionados. It isn’t just limited to soulful armchair rumination and pompous imaginary baton-waving. You can simply plug in for a productive study session or a sweaty workout — heck, you can even mix it up with your gangsta rap Spotify playlist — there are no rules.
But for a genre that has been around for centuries, classical music may still appear inaccessible and somewhat intimidating for the curious. In fact, “classical” is just a broad label for what is really a wide range of musical forms and styles. So here’s a primer to get you started. Organized according to three musical eras — Baroque, Classical, and Romantic — and including both instantly recognizable tunes and lesser-known pieces, allow this guide to accompany your foray into the fascinating world of classical music.