Classical music is centered on ideals of?

A. Violent emotions

B. a driving bass line

C. balance and symmetry

D. heavy ornamentation

In my opinion, the correct answer is C. balance and symmetry. However, this pertains to classical music in the narrower sense (also known as the music of the Classical period, approx. 1730-1820). The composers of this age (Haydn, Mozart, early Beethoven) insisted on balance and symmetry, as the driving forces of harmony. Classical music in the broader sense encompasses many other styles and periods, such as Baroque (which loved heavy ornamentation and almost always had a driving bass line - basso continuo), or Romanticism (which was very fond of violent emotions).