Classical Period Slides

Middle Ages

Period from 476 A.D. to c. 1400 characterized by music dominated by the Catholic Church.

Renaissance

Period from c. 1400 to c. 1600 known for the flourishing of vocal polyphony and humanistic ideals.

Baroque

Musical period from c. 1600 to c. 1750/1759 marked by ornate detail and emotional intensity.

Classical

Period from c. 1750/1759 to c. 1820 centered in Vienna, characterized by balance and clarity.

Romantic

Musical era from c. 1820 to c. 1900 focusing on personal emotion and nationalism.

20th Century and Onward

Diverse and fragmented period in Western music history.

Hofburg Palace

The winter seat of imperial power in Vienna, ruled by the Habsburg dynasty.

The French Enlightenment

Movement beginning with the death of King Louis XIV, promoting democratic ideals and reason.

Freemasons

Secret society founded in 1717 promoting Enlightenment ideals in Europe.

American Revolution (1776)

Event marked by the diplomatic efforts of Benjamin Franklin supporting revolutionary ideals.

French Revolution (1789)

Event characterized by the storming of the Bastille and the rise of Napoleon.

Composer-Patron System

Historical evolution of musical patronage from church support to independent composing.

Franz Joseph Haydn

Composer known as the 'Father of the Symphony' and worked under Prince Nikolaus Esterházy.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Freelance composer who left aristocratic patronage to pursue independent works in Vienna.

Ludwig van Beethoven

Transitional composer between Classical and Romantic eras, working without traditional patronage.

Clarinet

Woodwind instrument popularized in orchestras during the Classical period.

Fortepiano

Keyboard instrument that replaced the harpsichord due to dynamic responsiveness.

Don Giovanni

A dramma giocoso opera by Mozart, emphasizing light elements combined with dark themes.

The Catalogue Aria

Famous aria from Don Giovanni where Leporello lists Giovanni's romantic conquests.

Champagne Aria

A brief, hyperactive aria sung by Giovanni in Don Giovanni, detailing his party plans.

Zerlina and Masetto

Characters in Don Giovanni whose relationship is tested but ultimately reconciled.