Classicization

The terms “Classicize” and “Classicization” have several different definitions depending on the subject. Most websites define it as the imitation of the classical style in art, architecture and sculpture. For music, it is a niche term as I was only able to find a handful of articles that discussed it. However, some of these articles discussed “classicization” as the process of turning a piece of music into a “classic” rather than the adoption of classical music aesthetics. In addition to this, many definitions were too short or generic. In response to this, I propose the following definition: 

​

“Classicize or Classicization: is the process in which a piece of music of non-classical origin becomes more classically sounding through the use of classical techniques. The resulting creation would imitate classical aesthetics and can be comparable to classical music.” 

 

This definition best describes Animenz’s arranging style as he often incorporates classical techniques into his arrangements. At the same time, this term may gain wider recognition in the future due to what is currently happening on YouTube. Many pianists are arranging music in the style of different composers or musical periods.

​

This raises the question of whether classicization could increase the accessibility of non-classical music in classical institutions thus creating a greater appeal to a wider audience. This also raises the question of whether it could act as a gateway and a compromise between classical and popular music.

​

Personally, the reason I got into classical music was because of Animenz's arrangement of This Game which features some classical influences and techniques. I know that my story is not unique and there are likely many more pianists like me who had a similar experience.

​

During Animenz's 2018 masterclass, he claimed that the classical music community was in a deadlock of playing the same piece over again and that we had reached the end of classical music with all the harmonic possibilities being explored (Animenz, 2018). Due to this, Animenz wants to break that cycle by combining both classical and anime music (Animenz, 2018).