Historical Dictionary of Music of the Classical Period (2nd ed.)

The Classical period is one of deep intellectual ferment, of rapid growth and change, and of explosive creativity in the world of music. It may have had its roots in the music of an earlier era and been the harbinger of progressive music of that which followed, but it must be seen as the necessary evolutionary era, without which modern music and all of its variety could not exist. Moreover, in opera houses, festivals, and concert halls all over the world, music from the period may indeed be perf