semiclassical

[ sem-ee-klas-i-kuhl, sem-ahy- ]

adjective

1. of or relating to music by classical composers that is familiar or appealing to the general public.
2. of or relating to music intermediate in style between classical and popular music.

Other Words From

• semi·classi·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of semiclassical¹

First recorded in 1900–05; semi- + classical

Example Sentences

He blended Black American syncopated rhythms and bluesy harmonies with European-derived classical and semiclassical forms, such as marches and waltzes, to create a new music shining with indigenous authenticity and refinement.

From New York Times

The Canadian filmmaker Bruce LaBruce is best known for his provocative spins on modern sexuality, but his latest is a semiclassical affair.

From New York Times

Although we have not detected evaporating black holes so far, they are predicted by the simple semiclassical formulation of quantum gravity.

From Scientific American

And yet a more realistic “semiclassical” model using Newton’s laws for the bacteria and quantum ones for photons fails to reproduce the actual outcome Coles and his colleagues observed in their laboratory.

From Scientific American

By treating popular standards as secular art songs dressed up in elegant semiclassical and pop-jazz trappings by his most brilliant arranger, Nelson Riddle, Sinatra began blurring the distinctions.

From New York Times