When and how did Classical music become popular and how did it spread?
Classical music was popular as far back as the 1500’s with operas, and music for plays (incidental music). Henry Purcell, Vivaldi, Handel, and many others helped music to gain popularity. It is likely that wealth would have had an influence as well, where people could afford to attend concerts, and music became an accepted profession. This would have been the case throughout Europe. By the 1800s musical instruments became standardised, and orchestras larger. Chamber music, including string quartets, and sonata (piano plus violin, or flute or other instrument) was often written for private functions and dances. Many homes had portative organs, later harpsichords (especially if the family was well off), and later pianos. Most homes had a piano right up until the 1960s. The Proms would have had a big influence as well, and this is a series of concerts that run from around mid July to mid September at the Albert Hall, London (with a few outdoor events as well), culminating in the Last Nigh
