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

They are salon music, but of a particularly pleasing character.

From The Masters and their Music A series of illustrative programs with biographical, esthetical, and critical annotations by Mathews, W. S. B. (William Smythe Babcock)

Dance of the Dryads would doubtless attract lovers of the Sydney Smith type of salon music, if there are any of them left.

From Edward MacDowell by Porte, John F.