salon music

American  

noun

1. music of a simple, agreeable, frequently sentimental character, played usually by a small orchestra.

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salon music British  

noun

1. derogatory light classical music intended esp for domestic entertaining

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Etymology

Origin of salon music

First recorded in 1910–15

Example Sentences

Hough's announcement of the salon music reminded us of how the composer's brother, Nikolai, pronounced the Tchaikovsky First Concerto unplayable.

From Chicago Tribune • Jan. 7, 2011

As an enthusiast for contemporary scores, he also sandwiched them into briefer programs, along with salon music and show tunes.

From Time Magazine Archive

The collection, covering the years from 1906 to 1920, consists mainly of Italian and French opera and salon music, with half a dozen parlor songs sung approximately in English.

From Time Magazine Archive

My daughters play the music of all the principal composers, and also the best salon music.

From Piano and Song How to Teach, How to Learn, and How to Form a Judgment of Musical Performances by Nichols, Mary P.

It is as great a mistake to play only Beethoven's music as to play none of it, or to play either classical or salon music solely.

From Piano and Song How to Teach, How to Learn, and How to Form a Judgment of Musical Performances by Nichols, Mary P.