Its Baroque btw. It does take a bit of an ear and understanding of theory to truly apreciate the music you have deamed "clasical." Actualy there are several periods you have just lumped together, which include but are not limited to Baroque, classical, Renesaunce, and modern ( Stuff built entirly off of chromatic scales in many cases if memory serves correct.) Just for fun the next time you listen to Muse (absolution album) pay close atention to the "clasical" conventions that are so prevelent throughout the compasitions. Another Album to check out would be Vinne Moore "The Maze" or "Minds Eye"
www.vinniemoore.com