klassik

Klassik is a German term for classical music, referring to Western art music in general and, more specifically, to the Classical period of music history. Derived from the adjective klassisch (classical) and from the Latin classicus, the word is used in German-speaking contexts to distinguish traditional, formal concert repertoire from popular or modern genres.

In music history, Klassik often denotes the Viennese Classicism of the mid-18th to early-19th centuries, roughly 1730s to 1820s. The era is associated with composers such as Joseph Haydn, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and Ludwig van Beethoven (early works). The style is known for its clear formal designs, balanced melodies, transparent textures, and refined interplay of themes. Core forms include the symphony, string quartet, sonata, and concerto. The period also contributed to developments in formal procedures such as sonata form, thematic development, and standardized harmonic languages.

In contemporary usage, Klassik is commonly used as a category label for classical music in German media and cultural programming, distinguishing it from rock, pop, or contemporary genres. The term can also appear in phrases like Wiener Klassik (Viennese Classicism) to specify the regional center of the Classical period and its principal composers.

Today, Klassik encompasses a broad repertoire that extends beyond the historical Classical period, including later works that harmonically or stylistically align with classical ideals, as well as performers and orchestras dedicated to classical concert practice. See also Wiener Klassik and Klassische Musik.