Classical music generally refers to the art music of the Western world, considered to be distinct from Western folk music or popular music traditions. It is sometimes distinguished as Western classical music, as the term "classical music" also applies to non-Western art music. Classical music is often characterized by formality and complexity in its musical form and harmonic organization, particularly with the use of polyphony. Since at least the ninth century it has been primarily a written tradition, spawning a sophisticated notational system, as well as accompanying literature in analytical, critical, historiographical, musicological and philosophical practices. A foundational component of Western culture, classical music is frequently seen from the perspective of individual or groups of composers, whose compositions, personalities and beliefs have fundamentally shaped its history.

यूरोपीय शास्त्रीय संगीत या क्लासिकल म्युजिक मोटे तौर पर क्लासिकल युग के यूरोपीय संगीत को कहते हैं। किन्तु वृहद अर्थ में छठी शताब्दी से वर्तमान काल तक के परम्परागत यूरोपीय संगीत का नाम 'क्लासिकल म्युजिक' है।