classical period

classical period dates

1750-1820

4 main classical composers

- Schubert

- Mozart

- Beethoven

- Haydn

key features (texture, instruments, rhythmic/melodic features)

• texture:

  • homophonic melodies (as opposed to polyphonic)

  • alberti bass

• instruments:

  • invention and use of piano and clarinet

  • larger orchestra with more woodwind/brass/percussion

• rhythmic features:

  • balanced, periodic phrasing

  • call and response style: 2 or 4 bar phrases answered by 2 or 4 bar phrases

  • regular, predictable rhythm

• melodic features

  • diatonic melody (stays in key signature without many chromatic notes/accidentals)

  • more dynamics

classical concerto forms

• sonata form

• minuet and trio

  • minuet (A): a with repeats, b with repeats

  • trio (B): a with repeats, b with repeats

  • minuet (A): a, b

• rondo form (ABACAD)

• also written in ternary form (ABA)

what is a minuet and trio + what is its form

a moderate AB dance in 3 time (minuet) a thinner, quieter, contrasting section called a trio

• minuet (with repeats) → trio → minuet (without repeats)

what is an alberti bass

common in classical music

• chords broken up into patterns played by the left hand

what is a sonata + what is sonata form

composition with 3 or 4 contrasting movements

written for either solo piano or another instrument + piano

form:

• section a: exposition

• section b: development

• section a: recapitulation

• section c: coda

characteristics of exposition in sonata form

first subject introduced in the tonic key: bridge

second subject introduced in a related (dominant?) key: codetta

characteristics of development in sonata form

subjects are developed with alterations, which could include:

• breaking down themes + sequencing of motifs

• taking material into other keys (minor?)

• may include new ideas

characteristics of recapitulation in sonata form

altered repeat of the exposition

only difference is that the second subject is back in the tonic key

• this whole section (the coda) remains in the tonic