I have been playing piano for about 6 years now, and have just recently (the past month or so) started composing my own piano pieces.
I mostly play contemporary music and improv, but I have taken an interest in classical music, more specifically, bagatelles, preludes, etudes, and sonatas for the piano.
My question is this: What gives a piece that "classical sound". When I compose a piece, and listen to it, it sounds very contemporary and modern. How can I achieve a more classical era style? Are there specific rules or guidelines that these composers follow?
Thanks.