Chapter_7

The Classical Era (1750-1800)

• Key Composers:

  • Johann Christian Bach

  • Franz Joseph Haydn

  • Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Unstable Times

• Major Events:

  • American War of Independence (1775-1783)

  • French Revolution (1789-1799)

  • The Reign of Terror and beheadings of dissenters

• Cultural Reaction:

  • A strong desire for simplicity and accessibility in the arts.

  • Reaction against the intricacies of Baroque music, seeking simpler forms.

  • Known as the Gallant style, which is reminiscent of Rococo art.

• Influence of Enlightenment Philosophy:

  • Prominent figures included Voltaire and Rousseau.

Enlightenment

• Key Philosophies:

  • Questioning of authority (monarchy and Church).

  • Emphasis on reason over religion and scientific objectivity against superstition.

  • Advocacy for individual freedom and equality, alongside responsibilities.

  • Striving for freedom of speech and the abolition of privileges.

  • Significant educational reforms and the invention of the Encyclopedia by Denis Diderot and Jean le Rond d’Alembert.

• Notable Women in Enlightenment:

  • Maria Theresa of Austria and Catherine the Great of Russia.

  • Female composers like Marianna von Martines and Julie Candeille.

Transition from Baroque to Classical Music

• Differences in Musical Elements:

  • Baroque Music (1600-1750):

    • Basso continuo (harpsichord) prominent.

    • Ornamentation and complexity.

  • Classical Music (1750-1800):

    • Basso continuo fades; use of lighter bass lines (Alberti bass).

    • Focus on clarity, simplicity, symmetry, and emotional objectivity.

    • Shift from harpsichord to pianoforte.

Neoclassical Art (1760s-1850s)

• Characteristics:

  • Shift from emotionally charged Baroque to themes of patriotism, sacrifice, and human rights.

  • Inspired by Renaissance art; focus on symmetry, proportion, and accuracy in details.

  • Greek and Roman influences prevalent in architecture and design.

Evolution of the Symphony

• Description:

  • Four movements framework: typically abstract and not programmatic.

  • Evolved from the three-movement sinfonia, which served as introductory music.

• Early Influencers:

  • Alessandro Scarlatti popularized the structure.

  • Johann Stamitz expanded the format to four movements, leading into the Classical tradition.

The Orchestra in Different Eras

Baroque Era:

• Basso continuo structure prevalent.

• String sections include first & second violins, violas, cellos, and basses.

Classical Era:

• Basso continuo diminished; string sections expanded.

• Woodwind instruments in pairs; introduction of clarinets.

• Greater variety in instrumentation and larger orchestral ensembles.

Romantic Era and Beyond:

• Orchestral growth continued under Beethoven, incorporating new instruments and expanding percussion sections.

Johann Christian Bach (1735-1782)

• Background:

  • Last son of Johann Sebastian Bach; composed and performed widely.

• Influence on Mozart and the transition from late Baroque to the early Classical style.

Understanding Musical Forms

• Binary:

  • Structure: AA, BB.

• Ternary:

  • Structure: A, B, A.

• Ritornello:

  • Opening material reappears with modifications.

• Theme and Variations:

  • Variation on a presented theme.

The Symphony: Movement Forms

• First Movement: Sonata form.

• Second Movement: Aria form; slow, often in triple meter.

• Third Movement: Minuet and trio dance structure.

• Fourth Movement: Often rondo or sonata form.

Sonata Form Explained

• Important sections:

  • Exposition: Introduction of themes.

  • Development: Themes developed through modulation.

  • Recapitulation: Return of themes to stable tonality.

  • Coda: Concluding section.

The First Viennese School

• Prominent figures:

  • Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven established their influential careers in Vienna.

Franz Joseph Haydn (1732-1809)

• Early Life:

  • Rough upbringing but received music education.

• Career Highlights:

  • Patronage under Prince Paul Anton Esterhazy; developed a vast body of symphonic and chamber works.

Prince Esterhazy and Haydn

• Responsibilities included composition, education, and directing the court orchestra with amateur players.

• Nicknamed 'Papa Haydn' due to his amiable nature and respect among musicians.

Haydn's Contributions to Music

• Deeply influential in developing string quartets and symphonies.

• Wrote 104 symphonies, many with whimsical nicknames.

Sturm und Drang Movement

• Influence on music in the 1770s-80s, characterized by emotional expression and narrative-driven works.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)

• Early Life:

  • Born into a musical family; child prodigy who toured Europe early in life.

• Career Challenges:

  • Struggled for stable employment; accomplished various genres yet faced financial difficulties.

Mozart's Musical Innovations

• Composed across all music genres with remarkable speed.

• Known for operas, concertos, and popular works such as "The Marriage of Figaro" and "Don Giovanni".

Mozart's Last Years

• Financial troubles persisted; marriages were strained, and children suffered health issues.

Mozart's Legacy

• Final works included "The Magic Flute" and "Requiem Mass in D Minor"; his familial lineage ended with his sons.

Cultural Reflections in Music

• Amadeus: Film presenting a fictionalized rivalry between Salieri and Mozart, shedding light on Mozart's complex life.

Conclusion: The Classical Era Summary

• Characterized by upheaval during the late 18th century, with the ideologies of the Enlightenment significantly impacting music.

• The Classical style emphasized gallant qualities, accessibility, simplicity, and charm, with notable genres including symphonies, string quartets, and operatic forms.

The Classical Era (1750-1800) featured key composers such as Johann Christian Bach, Franz Joseph Haydn, and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Major historical events included the American War of Independence and the French Revolution, leading to a cultural reaction favoring simplicity and accessibility in the arts, known as the Gallant style. Enlightenment philosophers like Voltaire and Rousseau questioned authority, advocated for reason and individual rights, and prompted significant educational reforms. Music transitioned from the complex Baroque style to Classical simplicity, characterized by clarity and emotional objectivity. The symphony evolved into a four-movement framework. The orchestras expanded, and composers like Haydn and Mozart shaped the era significantly, with Haydn known for his symphonies and contributions to string quartets, while Mozart excelled in operas and various musical genres. Overall, this era was marked by Enlightenment influence, cultural upheaval, and a shift toward the accessibility of music.