Music Theory

Baroque Period

  • Dates: 1600-1750

  • Main Composers: J.S. Bach, Henry Purcell, Antonio Vivaldi

  • Genres:

    • Oratorio

    • Concerto

    • Opera

    • Fugue

  • Orchestra:

    • Mainly strings

    • Harpsichord is a distinct instrument

  • Characteristics:

    • Polyphonic texture

    • Terrace dynamics (blocks of loud, soft, etc.)

    • Driving semi-quavers

    • Added ornamentation

Classical Period

  • Dates: 1750-1820

  • Main Composers: W.A. Mozart, Beethoven, F.J. Haydn

  • Genres:

    • Symphony

    • Sonata form

  • Instrumentation:

    • Four families of instruments

    • Clear contrast of families

  • Characteristics:

    • Elegant and formal

    • Well-balanced/structured

    • Simple, clarity

    • Melody dominated with accompaniment

    • Homophonic texture is used

Symphony Structure (Classical Period)

A symphony typically consists of four movements:

  1. Fast

  2. Slow

  3. Minuet and Trio

  4. Fast

Sonata Form (Classical Period)

Sonata form is a common structure used within a movement (typically the first movement) of a symphony, sonata, or concerto. It is comprised of three main sections: Exposition, Development, and Recapitulation.

Exposition

  • Statement of the first and second subjects (themes).

  • First Subject:

    • Masculine character

    • In the tonic key

  • Second Subject:

    • More feminine character

    • In the dominant key

  • The entire Exposition is normally repeated.

Development

  • Both subjects (themes) are developed.

  • Exploration of different keys.

  • Experimentation with melodic and harmonic ideas from the Exposition.

Recapitulation

  • Return to the original (tonic) key.

  • Both the first and second subjects are presented in the tonic key.