Semiklassieke

Semiklassieke, or semi-classical, is an adjective used to describe approaches, works or stylistic tendencies that are partially classical in character or rely on classical frameworks while integrating non-classical elements. The term appears in several disciplines, with meanings shaped by context.

In physics, semiclassical methods approximate quantum systems by combining classical mechanics with quantum corrections. Classic examples include the WKB approximation, Bohr–Sommerfeld quantization, and semiclassical propagators based on classical trajectories. Semiclassical analysis is central to areas such as quantum chaos, atomic and molecular physics, and nano-scale systems, providing a bridge between fully quantum and fully classical descriptions.

In music and the arts, semiklassieke is used, especially in Dutch-speaking contexts, to describe works or performances that lie between classical tradition and contemporary practice. This may include approaches that use classical forms, instrumentation, or harmonic language while incorporating modern techniques, timbres, or stylistic influences. The label is not a fixed genre but a descriptive guide to hybridity.

In other domains, the term may appear in architecture, film, or literature to denote a blend of classical ideals with newer methods or sensibilities. Because usage varies by field, semiklassieke should be interpreted in its specific disciplinary context, rather than as a strict category.