Classical Period

Theme

memorable first movement- musical idea, building block

thematic development- sequence, variation, extending, sequence

motive

melodic or rhythmic fragment of a theme

absolute music

no prescribed story or text- form imortant organizing element/recognizable struture

form in absolute music classical music:

concerto; for piano and violin

concerto aka large scale instrumental form

sonata allegro form

clear melody, homophonic texture

multi-movement cycle

three or four sperate movements in one place

each with own character to create interest in lager work

Sonata- Allegro Form – three sections

all about developing theme

three sections

• exposition:knowing 2 themes/repeated

• development: conflict+action, themes varied

• recapitualation: retuns to theme 1

Influence of Classical Antiquity on the Classical style period

idealized ancient greek roman design

Dates of the Classical style period

1750-1825

Viennese School composers

3 classical composers: Franz Joesph Haydn, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven

Patronage system

sponsership of an artist by aristocracy

arts viewd as neccesary adroment of life

economic security+social framework for composers

Characteristics of musical life in classical era – public concerts, new music

Performance place move from palace to concert hall

public concerts-subscriptions

age of musical experimentation, elegant, lyrical melodies

Joseph Haydn – who, where, what

1732 to 1809

• austrian, worked in vienna, father of string quartet and symphony

• conducted orchestra, esterhazy family

String quartet

chamber music genre

• violin 1, violin 2, viola, cello

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – who, where, what

violinist of archbishop at salzburg, austric

moved to vienna, child prodigy,

41 symphonies

1756 to 1791

Classical Concerto – double exposition, cadenza

cadenza- solo passage provised based on theme

first movement modified sonata-allegro with double expression

Opera Seria

serious, was centered around singer used de capo and recititives

Opera Buffa

developed from “tearful comedy”; ensemble singing (duets, trios, quartets, etc.)

lorenzo daponte

catholic preist, poet, librettist

• moved to American, owned grocery and book store

• first Italian prof at Columbia and found first Opera House at NYC

libretto

written in local vernacular language, it is the text/script of an opera

requiem

mass for the dead, mozarts last composition K626`

Ludwig van Beethoven

born in germany

• traveled to Vienna, theme and variation= 60 of it. Suffered from hearing loss

• died in the beginning of the Romantic Period =led the way

Beethoven symphony 5

four note motive

3 short followed by long “fate knocking at the door”