music 3

Classical Style

- Emerged in the second half of the eighteenth century, 1750-1820 is the classical period's range.

Enlightenment Ideals

Monarchs valued Reason, Liberty, and Equality. There was a universal education, the separation of church and state, social justice, and Morality.

Vienna

Known as the capital of the classical style, it is the capital of Austria and the mighty Hapsburg empire. One of the most culturally active cities in Europe. The period if sometimes called "Viennese classical" which shows how important the city was at the time.

Joseph II

An enlightened ruler who supported music and education to all.

The enlightenment and Music

Centered in France, the Enlightenment had strong roots in British philosophy, its roots began during the Baroque period. However now people were less worried about science than philosophy and social aspects.

The Pursuit of Happiness

The phrase Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of happiness emerged in this period. This period was an age of good living, intelligence, wit, and sensitivity.

Art and Entertainment

People wanted to be happy. Art was meant to please rather than impress.

Music in households

There was a development of music in the homes. People now had piano at home and would but music to play.

Rocco

A light and often frothy style.

divertimento

The music was light and charming. It was meant to amuse and entertain.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Known as an acclaimed novelist, autobiographer, philosopher, and fiery publicist. He thought music was "natural" and more basic than speech. He did not like opera as it was too complicated. Opera became more basic in this era.

The Novel

Known as the Enlightenment's greatest artistic legacy. Novels were able to give sharp, realistic observations of contemporary life and sensitive depiction of feelings.

The Rise of Concerts

During this time public concerts became popular. Music of all kinds was presented at concerts. However, the church, court, and opera still dominated music.

Classical Rhythm

The rhythm changed drastically; classical music is highly flexible in rhythm. While the tempo and meter might remain constant, the rhythm will vary. Rhythm can be described as less predictable, more interesting, and more exciting than baroque music.

Classical Dynamics

The rhythm changed drastically; classical music is highly flexible in rhythm. While the tempo and meter might remain constant, the rhythm will vary. Rhythm can be described as less predictable, more interesting, and more exciting than baroque music.

Classical Tone Color

We saw an increase in attention to tone color. A clear sign of this was the emergence of a classical orchestra. The classical orchestra contained strings, reeds, brass, and percussion. Brass and woodwinds had a more important role.

Classical Melody Tunes

The melody was plainer, as people were tired of the complex melody from the era before. It was an uncomplicated, singular melody. Popular songs were more common, which you could sing yourself.

Classical Texture

The Predominant texture is homophonic as melodies are straightforward. Harmonies became more specific during this time. The continuo was used no more.

Classical Counterpoint

Counterpoint was still used here to create an impression of tension.

Repetition and Cadences

- Themes tended to be repeated immediately after the first appearance. There were more prominent transitional passages. Themes were closed off distinctly with multiple cadences.

Classical Forms

There was a limited number of formal patterns. They had sonata form, minuet form, rondo form and theme and variations form.

multiple forms

for variety and longer forms through repetitions and transitional passages and dependence on commonly-used formal patterns.

Symphony

A large, impressive concert piece for orchestra. We still see symphonies made today, although they are somewhat different from the ones of the classical era. The symphony arose due to the high demand for concerts, and it evolved the classical orchestra to what it is today.

Movements of the Symphony

There are 4 main movements of a classical symphony. They are many similarities and differences between a symphony and a concerto.
1. A substantial piece in a fast or moderate tempo, written in Sonata form. Sometimes prior to this, there is a solemn introduction
2. A slow tempo and quiet mood, there is a variety of forms
3. Persistent dance rhythms, like a minute or trio, it is a moderately paced dances in triple meter.
4. Faster than the first, it is a mic of sonata form and rondo form.

Sonata Form

Closely associated with the symphony due to the opening movement being in this form. Composers found that the sonata form enabled a special flexibility of expression. It could be used to express numerous emotions in the opening movement. The form consists typically of ABA'

Sonata Exposition

A large diverse section where the movement is "exposed"

First Theme

A tune or small group of phrases introduces the Sonata.

Modulation

Change of key

bridge

o . The subsection of exposition that accomplishes this change is called the bridge, or transition. This is an essential feature that gives the sonata form its sense of dynamic movement.

Second group Sonata

o Musical ideas in the new key are called the second group. These themes contrast with the first theme in melody, rhythm, dynamics, etc. One theme stands out by its melodious quality which is the Second time.

Cadence theme

brings a second ending to the exposition. The very end is marked by repeating cadences

Sonata Development(B)

The development heightens the tensions set up by the contrasting themes and keys of the exposition. The themes are developed by being broken up, recombined, and reorchestrated, in unexpected and exciting ways. A counterpoint to create a sense of breakup and turmoil.

Retransition

o The last modulation of this section returns to the home key. The passage that accompanies this is called the retransition, which creates the function of relieving the tension and creating a sense of expectancy, for the recapitulation to come.

Sonata Recapulation (A')

· Meaning a step-by-step review, we hear the first theme again, followed by all the other material of the exposition. The music now remains in the tonic key all the way through.
o The stability of the key allows the recapitulation is especially welcome after the instability and restlessness of the development section, achieving a new solidity.
o The entire BA' sequence may be repeated.

Coda

· When the Development and recapitulation is repeated the coda is a optional form. Sonata form displays a dramatic quality compared with more architectural quality of a Baroque figure or ritornello form.

Mozart, Symphony no.40 in G minor K.550(1788) First Movement

One of the most famous and admired of all Mozart's works. The opening movements contain sharp contrasts and clear demarcation. Contains a dark and uneasy mood which is unlike other classical symphonies.(Is in Minor Mode).
o Exposition, the first theme is a melody with a strictly homophonic accompaniment. It is placed twice. When played the second time a modulation occurs with a forceful bridge passage to accompany it
o The second theme is in a major mode and is divided up, phrase by phrase between strings and woodwinds. Then the strings and woodwinds swap roles in what they play. The second appearance does not come to a cadence but expresses new ideas. Forte- A short, cadence that brings the exposition to a complete stop.
o Development- Introduces chords as the section starts quietly. As the piece suddenly gets loud, introducing the entire orchestra. It then suddenly becomes soft with orchestra echoes bringing in the first theme. The final passage breaks out in forte, with the modulation ending. The Harmony is preparing for the final section.
o Recapitulation- The first theme contains new pathos with returns to original form in the tonic key. Here we see small alterations of the exposition material, but more stable and expanded.
o Coda- Very short, refers to the first theme one last time. Ends with the three solid chord cadences.

Haydn

Known for composing 100s of symphonies

Hayden, Symphony No.94 in G major(The Surprise, 1791), First Movement-

Classical symphonies always began with movements in sonata form. The movement began in a slow tempo, this ends on expectant chords before the sonata form begins.
The first theme is a duet between the first and second violins. With a simple melody. The second theme is more expansive with syncopations and quick-running scales. The theme is repeated by the woodwinds and strings. Haydn's music contains many tricks.

Classical Variation Form

Variation form entails the repetition of a clearly defined melodic unit, the theme, with various changes at each repetition. The theme acts as a bass pattern similar to the Baroque era, but now the theme is a tune in the upper register.
o The variation form creates contrasting moods, which are transformed but always discernible under.
o The movements are typically in AB or ABA form.
o Pianist would improvise variations on the spot, with 12 being a common number for when they were published.

Haydn, Surprise Symphony, Second Movement

The second movement of a classical movement is slow. Haydn favored his own version of variation form, and indeed tuneful and witty variation movements were a specialty of his. It is in aabb form, each repetition altered slightly. The variation begins, four in all plus a brief coda
1. Variation 1- Almost normal, with the melody played by the violins and the flute
2. Variation 2- sets a different tone, shifting to minor mode and playing the first theme in FF.
3. Variation 3- goes back into the major mode, but it contains a quick rhythm by a solo oboe. There is a duet between a flute and oboe and the addition of French Horns.
4. Variation 4- Starts with the full orchestra with trumpets and drums. The melody in FF.

Minuet form

Unlike the Baroque era, classical dances were meant to enjoy and dance to. Classical composers extended the internal form of minuet by developing internal ABA structures. This dance form is sometimes called the Ternary form.

Surprise Symphony, Third Movement

Minuet's in Haydn's symphonies often set a mood distant from the ballroom and closer to a country-round dance. The trio exudes a flowing controlled charm. The form is in aa ba' ba' cc dc' dc.'
Minuet- Section a contains two Forte phrases, like a question-and-answer format. With running scales in free fall. It ends with repetition and ends with a cadence.
Trio- The trio reduces it down to strings and bassoon, marked as background, with the c and the dc' sections providing repetition.

Rondo Form

- A rondo is a form with popular leanings, dating back to the Baroque era. It was used for fast, closing movements. In simple rondos, the episodes feature additional tunes contrasting with A, resulting in a formal design shown in the margins.

Surprise Symphony, Fourth Movement

Here rondo form is very fast and makes a fitting close to an effervescent and joyous symphony. It is in ABACAB format. This is one of Haydn's sonata rondo, altering the usual rondo scheme.

The Sonata

The word Sonata has many meanings. Not only Sonata form, but it can also mean a piece for one of a small number of instruments. In the classical period typically, it is referred to as a composition for one or two instruments only. They were not made for concerts, but rather small private performances. Sonatas were easy to play and open for everyone. They are short, usually containing only two or three movements.

piano sonata

a sonata written for a solo piano, the new favorite instrument of the era.

violin sonata

for violin and piano

The Classical Concerto

With the Orchestra growing more rich and more expensive, Concerto's felt more varied than that of the Baroque era. It still felt like a rival of the brilliant soloist vs the grand orchestra and still was in Fast, slow, Faster form.

double exposition form

An extended version of Sonata form. There is a repeated exposition, one with a whole orchestra and another with just a soloist. There is a lack of modulation in the orchestra exposition. Like a concerto, there is a cadenza for the soloist to display their skills.

The String Quartet

Known as a genre for two Violins, a viola and a cello. Since it had only 4 instruments, it could not match the volume of a full orchestra, but it was not intended to do so, rather it was for small informal audiences.

The Opera Buffa

In the classical era came the rise of comic opera for enjoyment. There were happy endings, tricks and many jokes in this style. It was mainly popular in Italy, where Haydn wrote many Operas Buffa.

The ensemble

- An ensemble is a number sung by two or more people. They were very common for operas of this time period. The music of the classical ensemble was more dramatic and featured more room for plot action and character reactions.