What style of music combines elements from jazz and classical?

The style of music that combines elements from jazz and classical traditions is known as Third Stream. This genre was coined by composer Gunther Schuller in the 1950s and centers on the belief that music could transcend the conventional boundaries of these two distinct categories. Third Stream incorporates the improvisational qualities and rhythmic freedom characteristic of jazz with the structured compositional techniques and formal aesthetics typical in classical music. This results in unique compositions that often feature orchestral arrangements along with jazz soloists, emphasizing both spontaneity and careful musical construction.

While Be-bop represents a specific style within jazz that focuses on complex harmonies and fast tempos, it does not integrate classical elements in the manner that Third Stream does. Improvisational music is a broader term that encompasses various styles and can exist within both jazz and classical contexts, but it does not specifically refer to the blending of the two as Third Stream does. Fusion often refers to the merging of jazz with other genres, such as rock or funk, rather than specifically with classical music.