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" can also be applied to non-Western art musics. 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.

പടിഞ്ഞാറൻ സംഗീതം അല്ലെങ്കിൽ പാശ്ചാത്യ സംഗീതം എന്നത് തത്ത്വത്തിൽ അറിയപ്പെടുന്നത് ഒമ്പതാം നൂറ്റാണ്ട് മുതൽ യൂറോപ്പിലും മറ്റും നിലനിന്നിരുന്ന പരമ്പരാഗതസംഗീതത്തെയാണ്. ഇതിനു പലതരത്തിലുള്ള മാറ്റങ്ങളും വന്നത് 1550 മുതൽ 1990 വരെ ഉള്ള കാലഘട്ടത്തിലാണ്.