The Classical Era | In Class Recording

Classical Era Dates: $1750$ to $1820$.

Intellectual Movement: The Enlightenment.

• Emphasis on reason over tradition (Rene Descartes: "I think, therefore I am").

• Ideals of democracy and equality (initially for white, propertied men).

• Development of human rights.

Political Context:

• American and French Revolutions.

• Rise of the middle class, leading to:

  • Increased instrument ownership and music lessons.

  • More music for amateurs.

  • Decline of basso continuo (due to improvisation requirement).

  • More public concerts (ticketed events).

Classical Aesthetics (Art & Architecture):

• Influence from Greek and Roman thought.

• Emphasis on clean lines, symmetry, and balance (e.g., Monticello).

Classical Music Characteristics:

• Overarching principle: Clarity and Balance (tag for the era).

• Melody: Simple, singable, often featuring question-and-answer phrases.

• Texture: Predominantly homophonic, while polyphony indicated skillful composition.

• Dynamics: Gradual changes ($crescendo$ for getting louder; $decrescendo$ for getting softer).

• Tone Color: Contrasting and controlled, with emphasis on specific instrumentation.

• Form: Balanced forms with sections of similar length, logical progression.

• Overall result: Music is accessible, tuneful, and progresses logically.

Minuet and Trio Form:

• Originated as a courtly dance in late $17^{th}$ century France (associated with Louis XIV).

• Almost always in triple meter.

• Overarching A-B-A structure.

• Detailed structure: Minuet (AABB A'BA'), Trio (CCDD C'DC'), Minuet (ABA').

• Trio: Contrasting in style, often gentler, quieter, and originally for smaller instrumentation.

$Eine Kleine Nachtmusik$ (A Little Night Music) by Mozart:

• A serenade: a light work for evening entertainment.

• Written for string orchestra or string quartet (two violins, one viola, one cello) and double bass.

• Typically has $4$ movements.