Music of the Classical Period

• Introduction to the Classical Period of music (1750-1820)

Classical Period

• The cultural life of the Classical Period was dominated by the aristocracy

• The aristocracy were patrons of musicians and artists, influencing the arts

• The Classical Period was characterized by a new style called classicism

• Classicism was influenced by changes in the economic order and social structure

Instrumental

• Instrumental music was primarily patronized by the nobility

Historical Event

• Important historical events during the Classical Period include the French Revolution, Napoleonic Wars, and the American Revolution

Classical

• The term "classical" refers to conformity with the principles and characteristics of ancient Greece and Roman literature and art

• Classical music is formal, elegant, simple, free, and dignified

Classical Music

• Classical music melodies are characterized by conformity with the principles of ancient Greece and Roman literature and art

• Harmony and texture in classical music is generally homophonic

Dynamics

• Dynamics in classical music are clearly shown through the use of crescendo and diminuendo

Classical Period

• The classical period featured a style of broken chord accompaniment called alberti bass

Composers

• The great composers of the Classical Period were Franz Joseph Haydn, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and Ludwig Van Beethoven

Instrumental Forms

• Instrumental forms developed during the Classical Period include sonata, concerto, and symphony

• Vocal forms include opera seria and opera buffa

Works

• Works of Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven are still popular today and used in animated series of popular cartoon companies

Beethoven

• Beethoven's music was used in films for children and the animated series Little Einstein's also features the music of Haydn and Mozart

Composers

Joseph Haydn

• Joseph Haydn was one of the most prominent composers of the Classical Period

• Haydn's rise in social status was due to his music and being hired by rich patrons

Haydn

• Haydn's music reflects his character and personality, characterized as calm, balanced, serious, but with touches of humor

• Haydn composed over 100 symphonies and developed them into long forms for a large orchestra

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

• Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was a child prodigy and the most amazing genius in musical history

• Mozart composed over 700 works, including sonatas, concertos, symphonies, religious works, and operas

Mozart’s Works

• Mozart experimented in all kinds of music and composed popular works such as "The Marriage of Figaro" and "The Magic Flute"

• Mozart's famous compositions include "Eine kleine Nachtmusik," Symphony No. 40 in G major, and Sonata No. 11 in A major K311

Beethoven

• Ludwig van Beethoven was born in Bonn, Germany and bridged the late classical era and the early romantic era

• Beethoven composed numerous famous works, including piano sonatas, variations, symphonies, concertos, string quartets, and choral music

Beethoven’s Works

• Beethoven's works include the "Missa Solemnis" and the opera "Fidelio"

• Beethoven's famous symphonies include Symphony No. 3, No. 5, No. 6, and No. 9, which adds voices to the orchestra

Beethoven

• Characteristics of Beethoven's works include larger orchestras, darker mood, extensive use of musical themes and motifs, and more brass instruments and dynamics

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• Reiteration of the introduction to classicism and instrumental music being patronized by the nobility

Sonata

• Sonata is a multi-movement work for a solo instrument, such as keyboard or violin

Sonata’s Movement

• Movements of a sonata include allegro (fast), slow tempo (andante, largo, etc.), and minuet (moderate or fast tempo)

Sonata Allegro

• Sonata allegro form is the most important form developed during the classical era

• It consists of three distinct sections: exposition, development, and recapitulation

Sections of Sonata Allegro

• Sections of sonata allegro form include exposition, development, and recapitulation

Concerto

• Concerto is a multi-movement work for an instrumental soloist and orchestra

• It emphasizes the individuality of the solo instrument and the virtuosity of the performer

Movement of Concerto

• Movements of a concerto include fast (sonata-allegro form), slow (more ornamentation), and fast finale (usually in rondo form)

Symphony

• Symphony is a multi-movement work for orchestra, generally in four movements

• The word "sinfonia" means "a harmonious sounding together"

Movements of the Symphony

• 1st movement: fast-sonata-allegro form

  • Sonata-allegro form is a structure commonly used in the first movement of a symphony

• 2nd movement: slow, gentle, lyrical

  • Typical ABA form or theme and variation

• 3rd movement: medium/fast

  • Uses a dance form such as minuet or scherzo

• 4th movement: fast

  • Typically rondo or sonata form

Rise of Public Taste for "Comic Opera"

• Instrumental music patronized by nobility

• Led to the rise of public taste for "comic opera"

• Music was simple yet pleasant

• Singing was highly flexible and sensitive

• Emotion could be freely expressed through melody

Classical Opera

Definition of Opera

• Opera is a drama set to music

• Singers and musicians perform in a theatrical setting

Two Distinct Styles of Opera

• Opera seria

• Opera buffa

Opera Seria

• Implies heroic or tragic drama

• Employs mythological characters

• Inherited from the baroque period

• Example: "Idomeneo" by Mozart

Opera Buffa

• Comic opera from Italy

• Uses everyday characters and situations

• Employs spoken dialogues and lengthy arias

• Includes sight gags, naughty humor, and social satire

• Examples: "The Marriage of Figaro," "Don Giovanni," and "The Magic Flute” are examples of popular Opera Buffa by Mozart