Classical Music Notes: 1750-1820

Arts and Literature 1750-1820

• Important Publications and Works:

  • 1751: Publication of the French Encyclopedia begins

  • 1759: Voltaire publishes Candide

  • 1762: Rousseau releases The Social Contract

  • c. 1771-1773: Fragonard's The Lover Crowned

  • 1787: David creates Death of Socrates

  • 1800: David's Napoleon at St. Bernard

  • 1808: Goethe publishes Faust

  • 1813: Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice

  • 1814: Goya creates The Third of May, 1808

  • 1819: Scott publishes Ivanhoe

Music Developments 1750-1820

• Important Compositions:

  • c. 1757: Haydn, String Quartets, Op. 1

  • 1759: Haydn, Symphony No. 1 in D Major

  • 1764: Mozart, Symphony No. 1 in Eb Major, K. 16

  • 1772: Haydn, Symphony No. 45 in F# Minor (Farewell)

  • 1787: Mozart, Don Giovanni and Eine kleine Nachtmusik

  • 1788: Mozart, Symphony No. 40 in G Minor, K. 550

  • 1791: Haydn, Symphony No. 94 (Surprise)

  • 1796: Haydn, Trumpet Concerto in Eb Major

  • 1798: Beethoven, Piano Sonata in C Minor, Op. 13 (Pathétique)

  • 1808: Beethoven, Symphony No. 5 in C Minor

  • 1824: Beethoven, Symphony No. 9 in D Minor (Choral)

The Age of Reason / Enlightenment (1750-1820)

• Philosophical Shifts:

  • Emphasis on reason undermining the authority of social and religious establishments.

  • Philosophy establishes reason as the best guide for human conduct over traditions and customs.

  • Rise of the middle class striving for rights and recognition.

Political and Social Upheaval

• Changes:

  • Rise of the middle class influenced politics and economics through various wars.

  • Art and music were often funded and inspired by current power structures (e.g., monarchy or church).

Rococo and Neoclassical Styles in Art and Architecture

• Rococo (1710-1760):

  • Characterized by ornamental styles with rolling curves and pastel colors.

  • Seen as superficial compared to the more serious classical styles of art that followed.

  • Example include Fragonard’s The Swing (1767).

• Neoclassical Style (1760-1830):

  • A reaction against Rococo, embraced firm lines and moralistic themes depicting noble simplicity and grandeur.

  • Key examples include Jacques-Louis David’s works such as The Death of Socrates (1787) and Oath of the Horatii (1786).

Characteristics of Classical Music Style

• Contrast of Mood:

  • Utilizes a wide range of emotional expressions, transitioning from elation to depression.

• Rhythm:

  • Rich variety with unexpected pauses and frequent changes.

• Texture:

  • Primarily homophonic with flexible transitions.

• Melody:

  • Tuneful and memorable, influenced by folk themes.

• Dynamics:

  • Gradual shifts in intensity, with the fortepiano emerging to replace the harpsichord.

Symphony Structure in Classical Music

• Standard Composition:

  • Typically includes 4 movements:

  1. Fast

  2. Slow

  3. Dance (Minuet and Trio or Scherzo)

  4. Fast

• Instrumental Forms:

  • String Quartet typically has 4 movements with 2 violins, viola, and cello.

  • Sonata features one or two instruments with various movements.

  • Concerto allows for instrument soloist plus orchestra, showcasing virtuosity.

  • Cadenza serves as a showpiece for the soloist, usually near the end of a movement.

Influence of Middle Class on Music

• Accessibility:

  • The growing middle class began to influence music, leading to increased demand for public concerts and music lessons.

  • Compositions became geared towards being easy to play and understand for amateurs.

• Opera:

  • Shifted from serious to comic forms, often flavored by folk and popular music.