As a trained musician, I can explain the importance of harmonic music in classical music. Harmony refers to the simultaneous sounding of different musical notes to create chords and the way these chords are arranged to create a sense of tonality, or the overall sense of pitch in a piece of music.
In classical music, harmony plays a critical role in shaping the emotional content of a piece. The use of different harmonic progressions and chord combinations can create a sense of tension, release, or resolution, and can greatly impact the mood and atmosphere of a piece of music. For example, a chord progression that emphasizes the dominant seventh chord can create a sense of tension and instability, while a resolution to the tonic chord can provide a sense of closure and stability.
Harmony is also important in classical music because it allows for the exploration of complex tonal relationships between different musical elements. The use of modulation, or changing keys, allows composers to create a sense of contrast and variation within a piece, while still maintaining a sense of coherence and unity.
In addition to its emotional and tonal effects, harmony is also important in classical music because it provides a framework for improvisation and composition. Understanding harmonic principles allows musicians to create new melodies and variations that fit within the tonal structure of a piece, while still allowing for creativity and individual expression.
Overall, the importance of harmonic music in classical music cannot be overstated. It provides the emotional and tonal foundation for a piece, allows for the exploration of complex tonal relationships, and provides a framework for improvisation and composition. Mastery of harmonic principles is critical for any musician seeking to understand and create classical music in the Western tradition.