Western Classical Music Genres Characteristics

Classical Period Genres

1. (Piano) Sonata

2. String Quartet

3. Symphony

Classical Period Forms

1. Sonata-Allegro

2. Binary

3. Ternary

4. Theme and Variations

5. Minuet and Trio,

6. Rondo

Classical Period Composers

1. Haydn (Known for String Quartets)

2. Mozart

3. Beethoven (Known for Symphonies)

Classical Period Features

1. Symmetrical, balanced phrases that have simple, tuneful melodies

2. Diatomic harmony with clear-cut cadences

3. Instrumentation: Orchestra with double winds, timpani, strings

4. Gradual changes in dynamics (cresc. or dim.) for earlier Classical pieces, however sudden dynamic changes are seen in Beethoven’s works

5. Mostly homophonic texture, but can have monophonic, antiphonic or polyphonic textures as well

Symphonies

1. Consists of 4 sections (Woodwind, Brass, String and Percussion)

2. Had 3 movements at first, but later added a dance movement (minuet and trio)

3. String family as main focus with woodwind assisting or doubling them

4. Brass sustains harmonies and contribute to body of the sound

5. Timpani provides rhythmic vitality by highlighting tonic and dominant notes

6. Double woodwinds heard — Clarinets added into symphony orchestras later on (Haydn first introduced the clarinet)

Sonata-Allegro form

1. First movement

2. Sometimes preceded by a slow introduction

3. Characterised by the opposition of two keys made audible by the contrast between 2 themes

4. Consists of an Exposition, Development and Recapitulation at the end.

5. Usually long and dramatic Allegro (relatively fast)

Theme and variations A-B-A

1. Second movement

2. changes the primary theme developed in first movement by altering pitch, rhythm, harmony or mode (major or minor)

3. Usually lyrical and less development of themes than in first mvt

4. Slow, lyrical Andante or Adagio (walking pace)

Minuet and trio / Scherzo and trio

1. Third movement

2. Stately dance in triple meter

3. Consists of a first minuet followed by a second minuet with a lighter texture, then ending with the first minuet

4. Strictly follows ternary form (ABA structure)

5. Scherzo: Usually faster/rapid and more jovial than traditional minuet and trio.

6. Scherzo and trio replaces minuet and trio in the later classical period and is heard in Beethoven’s music

7. Dancelike Allegro or Allegretto (fast-paced) characterics

Rondo form

1. Final Movement (may have Sonata-Rondo form or Sonata-Allegro form)

2. Consists of a principle theme (Refrain) and one or more contrasting theme.

3. follows a ABACA form

4. Lively, spirited Allegro or Vivace (fast and lively tempo)