Final answer:
In the later 1800s, the evolution of the middle class influenced the development of 'popular' and 'classical' music categories. Technological advancements and changes in society led to new music that could be broadly classified as either for light entertainment or serious art, eventually defining what we now know as popular and classical music genres.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Gap Between Light Music and Art Music
In the later 1800s, the distinction between 'light music' for entertainment and 'art music' for serious listening began to shape what would become known as 'popular music' and 'classical music'. The rise of the middle class significantly impacted this forward trajectory by shifting the patronage system that had supported classical composers. These composers, such as Mozart and Haydn, historically served an upper-class audience well-versed in music sensibilities and were bound by the formal structures and melodic harmonies characteristic of the Classical period.
During the Romantic era, there was a demand for music that spoke to broader public experiences through public concerts and festivals. The expanding middle class sought music that was both entertaining and reflective of their experiences. The Romantic composers obliged, creating works that featured more expressive melodies, dynamic harmonies, and emotional depth, diverging from the Classical adherence to musical 'rules.'
Furthermore, technological advancements such as the improvement of musical instruments and the invention of the Gutenberg press facilitated the distribution and diversification of music. This era also gave rise to secular music and the performance arts such as Opera and Ballet that combined music with dramatic storytelling. As the post-Romantic era came into being, some composers, like Mahler and Strauss, pushed the boundaries of Romantic musical techniques, while others explored nationalistic music that resonated with the traditions of their homelands.