Neoclassicism

Neoclassicism in music kicked off in the early 20th century, predominantly in France, as composers decided that a dash of clarity and restraint was just what the avant-garde needed to keep it from going off the rails. This genre is characterised by its return to classical forms, structured harmonies, and a delightful propensity for using traditional instruments, as if to say, 'Hey, remember when things were simpler, and music didn’t require a degree in quantum physics to enjoy?' It’s rather like a well-mannered soirée, where the guests are all wearing powdered wigs and surprisingly enjoying themselves despite the era’s usual pretentiousness.