Classics - what is it and why is it so loved

People say that they like to read, listen, watch, but do they attach importance to this word? How to understand: a classic - some phenomenon or trend of time? What does this word mean in different spheres of art?

What dictionaries say

Many dictionaries differently decide that there is a classic - the definition is extensive.

In the narrow sense of the classics they speak, trying to emphasize the role of ancient literature for the formation not only of subsequent literary experiments of this time, but also of the whole variety of styles in modern times.

Classics - what is it? This is a question solved not by one definition. There are many different versions of what it is in a broad sense. So, some dictionaries indicate that the classics are works of great classics. Others write that this is exemplary literature, music, cinema, which, without a doubt, are a masterpiece of national art.

There are so many definitions that without a dotted description of classics in different types of art, one can not get a good "picture".

Classics in the literature

As we have already pointed out, ancient classical literature can be considered a classic , from which everything grew up, whether it was "Harry Potter" or "50 shades of gray". But if we take the definition in a broad sense, we will undoubtedly add to the list of great classics AS Pushkin, Leo Tolstoy, FM Dostoyevsky. In the US, it will be M. Twain, T. Dreiser. In Europe - V. Hugo, F. Schiller and others - their huge number for each country. It is necessary to take into account when we say "classics" that this is a phenomenon for any state, and in the US it is unlikely that they will be reverent to Pushkin, and in Madagascar, most likely, they will not appreciate Twain.

At the same time, there are classics that have completely transformed the literature of not one country but many states. So, W. Shakespeare is a playwright, under the influence of which the drama of the whole world is developing up to now, because his works are a universal classic.

It's another matter what to call the classic work, which appeared recently, is very difficult. Hardly "Harry Potter" can be considered a classic of children's literature, although now everyone understands the fundamental importance of the appearance of this work for the development of this direction. It should take some time to add one or another author to a number of great ones.

Film classics

The meaning of the word "classic" in the cinema culture differs somewhat. Naturally, there is no any orientation to antiquity and can not be, but now the brightest examples of films that have become the legends of cinema, modern directors are guided. Just the same pioneers of one or other directions, the best films of the past are classics, although the term has migrated to them from literature and music.

So, for the domestic cinema classics is "The Irony of Fate" (without continuation), "Ivan Vasilievich changes his profession", "Plasticine's Crow" and "Well, wait!". But in America it's movies with Charlie Chaplin, "Psycho" Hitchcock, "Tom and Jerry." As in the literature, the classic, what is it, is solved through the prism of this or that state.

Music: classical and neoclassic

It is logical that the classics of music, like literature, relied on previous eras, and, mainly, on antiquity. So, before, many musicians were guided by the samples that reached them from the depths of time. However, over time, the creators, one way or another, depart from the norms and rules established by the early authors, and begin to create as they please. The highest, the most vivid examples of music, resulting in the end, belong to the section "Classics". What is the neoclassic is another matter.

Rather, it will be said that neoclassicists are continuers of tradition. However, right now, the erroneous but accustomed term that defines this musical style for a mixture of classics with elements of other styles: electro, rock, etc., is gaining momentum. This term is also applied to music from the films of such famous composers as Hanz Zimmer, Max Richter And others.

Classics and Painting

If the classical music has not yet lost its connection with the "Viennese classics" and ancient experiences, then painting has long been operating this term for exemplary works of certain styles.

Moreover, it does not matter whether it's a portrait or a still-life, impressionism or classicism, if the work is painted by a well-known artist with a great name, it will immediately be called classics. Affects the commercial side - lovers of painting are more likely to buy advertised "classics" than an outrageous futuristic "masterpiece", unless they consider it fashionable.

At the same time, the classical music is less susceptible to all kind of futuristic attacks, although it has acquired a lot of new since the time of the last ancient poet. But if the painting, even by those who can not stand it, is visually perceived as "painted well," then music lovers do not always perceive classical music.

It is impossible to overestimate the importance of classics. This is what forms modern literature, music, cinema, painting. This is the power of geniuses of art, which helps the talents of our time to move on.