Overview of the Classical Era in Music Appreciation

Contrast in Mood

Classical music fluctuates in emotional expression.

Rhythm Flexibility

Classical compositions feature varied rhythmic patterns.

Homophonic Texture

Classical music primarily uses a single melodic line.

Polyphonic Transition

Classical pieces may shift from homophonic to polyphonic.

Memorable Melodies

Classical melodies are tuneful and easy to recall.

Balanced Phrases

Melodies often consist of two equal-length phrases.

Dynamic Changes

Gradual dynamics like crescendo and decrescendo are common.

Piano Preference

Piano replaced harpsichord for expressive dynamics.

Basso Continuo Abandonment

Basso continuo became obsolete in classical music.

Standardized Orchestra

Classical orchestras had a fixed instrumental setup.

String Section Importance

1st violins lead melodies; lower strings support.

Woodwinds Role

Woodwinds provide contrasting tones and melodic solos.

Brass Power

Horns and trumpets enhance loud sections.

Timpani Function

Timpani adds rhythmic emphasis in orchestral music.

Four Movement Structure

Symphonies typically consist of fast-slow-dance-fast.

Sonata Movements

Sonatas may have two to four contrasting movements.

Mozart

Key composer known for operatic and symphonic works.

Haydn

Served aristocracy, influential in symphonic development.

Beethoven

Transitional figure bridging classical and romantic eras.

Societal Influence

Composers' careers reflected societal changes during the era.

Folk Influence

Classical themes often borrowed from popular tunes.

Mozart

Freelance musician, struggled against servant treatment.

Beethoven

Successful freelance musician, influenced by Mozart.

Middle-Class Influence

Increased demand for music during the classical period.

Ticketed Concerts

Public concerts became popular in the 18th century.

Printed Music Demand

Rise in need for music sheets and lessons.

Comic Operas

Operas became humorous, appealing to broader audiences.

Ridicule of Aristocracy

Comic operas often mocked the upper class.

Vienna

Cultural center for classical composers like Haydn.

Haydn

Composed at least 104 symphonies for patrons.

Mozart's Symphonies

Wrote more than 40 symphonies during his career.

Beethoven's Symphonies

Created 9 symphonies, inspired rather than commissioned.

Classical Symphony

Extended composition, lasting 20-45 minutes.

Symphony Movements

Typically consists of 4 contrasting movements.

First Movement

Fast, dramatic, in sonata form, exciting development.

Second Movement

Slow, lyrical, often songlike melodies.

Third Movement

Dance-like, usually a minuet and trio.

Fourth Movement

Fast, lively, often in sonata-rondo form.

Self-Contained Movements

Each movement has unique themes, rarely repeated.

Theme and Variations

Basic idea repeated with changes in each variation.

Variation Structure

Outlined as theme (A), variation 1 (A'), etc.

Symphony No.94

Known as 'The Surprise Symphony', features variations.

Surprise Symphony Variations

Includes 4 distinct variations of the main theme.

Joseph Haydn

Pioneer of classical symphony and string quartet.

Robust Music

Haydn's music characterized by directness and strength.

Theme Development

Building movements from a single melody.

Trumpet Concerto

Haydn's popular piece, premiered in 1800.

Keyed Trumpet

Instrument invented for which Haydn wrote the concerto.

Sonata Form

Structure for single movement music, often fast.

Exposition

Section presenting themes in sonata form.

Development

Section treating themes in new ways.

Recapitulation

Section where themes return, providing resolution.

Coda

Concluding section following recapitulation in sonata form.

Fluff

Transitions and closing sections between themes.

Theme 1

First theme establishing the movement's key.

Theme 2

Second theme in a different key from Theme 1.

Dramatic Development

Most intense section, exploring multiple keys.

Resolution

Return to original key in recapitulation.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Child prodigy and influential composer from Salzburg.

First Symphony

Mozart's first composition at age 8.

Fugue Improvisation

Ability to create fugues spontaneously, shown at age 6.

European Tour

Mozart's father took him on tour from ages 6-15.

Sonata-Rondo Form

Musical form combining sonata and rondo elements.

Classical Period Influence

Haydn's style influenced Mozart and Beethoven.

Nature in Music

Haydn's compositions often reflect love for nature.

Mozart's Early Life

Toured Europe from ages 6 to 15.

Mozart's Personality

Spoiled and entitled, struggled with authority.

Court Musician Conflict

Clashed with Salzburg's archbishop over career.

Vienna Move

Left Salzburg at 25 to pursue independence.

Mozart's Versatility

Composed symphonies, quartets, concertos, and operas.

Triple Threat

Composer, director, and musician roles combined.

Piano Concertos

Mostly written for Mozart's own performances.

Master of Operas

Renowned for operatic compositions and innovations.

Don Giovanni

Blend of comic and serious opera themes.

Don Giovanni's Story

Involves seduction, revenge, and supernatural elements.

Third Act Conflict

Ghost demands Don Giovanni to repent.

Comedic Relief

Leporello serves as Don Giovanni's servant.

Minuet and Trio

Third movement form in classical compositions.

Minuet Origin

Originally a dance, now for listening.

Minuet Structure

A B A form with contrasting sections.

Trio Characteristics

Quieter, fewer instruments than the minuet.

Eine Kleine Nachtmusik

Third movement exemplifies minuet and trio.

Rondo Form

Features main theme alternating with others.

Common Rondo Patterns

A B A C A and A B A C A B A.

Rondo Characteristics

Lively, pleasing, and memorable main theme.

Finale Role of Rondo

Often serves as a lively conclusion.

Beethoven's Significance

Bridge between classical and romantic music.

Beethoven's Early Career

Assistant to court organist by age eleven.

Mozart

Influential composer who recognized Beethoven's talent.

Haydn

Beethoven's teacher in Vienna, influential in his development.

Heiligenstadt Testament

Letter expressing Beethoven's despair over deafness.

Deafness

Beethoven's progressive hearing loss affecting his music.

Vienna

City where Beethoven spent most of his life.

Virtuosity

Beethoven's exceptional skill in music performance.

Improvisation

Spontaneous music creation that impressed Viennese audiences.

Moral force

Beethoven viewed music as a means of ethical expression.

Three periods

Beethoven's music categorized into Early, Middle, Late.

Early period

Influenced by Haydn and Mozart, up to 1802.

Middle period

Beethoven's distinct style developed, 1803-1814.

Late period

Completely deaf, innovative works created, 1815-1827.