What is one example of a classic novel? What makes that novel classic? What are the shared characteristics between classic literature and a piece of classical music?

Answer 1

Relating to what the previous tutors have stated but from the viewpoint of a musician, I would say that the ties between classical music and classical literature are the overall importance that society may place on a given work. Over time, works such as novels and pieces of music become a part of our canon; in other words, these works become the standard, showing credibility in their given fields. The "classical" definition can mean two things in music; either applying to the time period from the 1750s to around the 1820s, or it can mean the overarching genre of music, usually those involving the orchestra. For my explanations, I will refer to classical music as a whole, rather than the period. We consider Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet a classic work because of its commentary on the tragedies of young love. Likewise, Beethoven's 5th Symphony is considered a classic work because it is used significantly in movies, TV shows, and other pieces of music, known especially for its main motif.

Answer 2

To complete your question, classical music means a couple of things. First, "classical" as opposed to "popular" would be music that has had influence on people over a longer period of time, than, say for a popular song, or instrumental piece, with a specific design or form, such as symphony, or opera and performed by an instrument or group of instruments (ensemble or orchestra, for example). "Classical" also is the name of a specific era of musical compositions - from about 1770 to 1830. Classical composers of this period include Mozart, Hayden and early music of Beethoven.

Answer 3

One potential definition (everything is open to debate in literature) for what makes classical literature "classical" is that a large group of people all agreed that this book had a major influence on culture, writing, or displays its era especially well. Examples would be: Dante's Divine Comedy (Dante's Inferno) greatly influenced Christian depictions of Purgatory and Hell, Pride and Prejudice changed the way people of the era thought of marriage and love matches (also one of the first major woman authors we celebrate and remember), and Shakespeare's Hamlet is a classic example of the tragic hero and is filled with "universal" themes.

I can't speak for classical music, but hopefully this gives you some ideas to work with.