Classical Music in the 18th and 19th Centuries

Questions and Answers

What term often applies to the style of music composed in the 18th century and early 19th centuries in Europe?

Jazz

Romantic Music

Contemporary Music

Classical Music (correct)

What 2 centuries brought out classical music in Europe?

18th and 19th

What type of history was the term 'classical' taken from?

Art history

What 2 types of ancient cultures influenced the term 'classical'?

Greek and Roman Signup and view all the answers

The important elements of music and art during the classical period were the stresses on what?

Balances and structure Signup and view all the answers

What 3 important elements of music and art were stressed during the classical period?

Balance, order, and clarity Signup and view all the answers

One of the 4 basic criteria that music of the classical era needed: it needed to be what?

Universal Signup and view all the answers

One of the 4 basic criteria that music of the classical era needed: it was to have an aspect of what?

Nobility Signup and view all the answers

One of the 4 basic criteria that music of the classical era needed: it was to meet the needs of which two classes?

Aristocracy and middle Signup and view all the answers

One of the 4 basic criteria that music of the classical era needed: it needed to be what within the bounds of established decorum?

Expressive Signup and view all the answers

One of the 4 basic criteria that music of the classical era needed: music in the classical period was free of what?

Technical complications Signup and view all the answers

Classical music had to be readily accessible to whom?

All ears Signup and view all the answers

The 3 main composers of the classical period were?

Franz Joseph Haydn, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and Ludwig van Beethoven Signup and view all the answers

During the 3 main composers' lifetimes, they saw a drastic shift from the aristocracy and the church to the?

Middle class Signup and view all the answers

An important development that occurred during the classical period was the?

Emancipation of the composer Signup and view all the answers

Who chose to live and compose as a musical servant to a wealthy aristocratic family for most of his professional life?

Franz Joseph Haydn Signup and view all the answers

Who attempted to break away from this lifestyle but died in poverty?

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Signup and view all the answers

Who was the first successful major composer to completely break away from the service of an aristocratic family?

Ludwig van Beethoven Signup and view all the answers

Franz Joseph Haydn was born in?

Rohrau, Austria Signup and view all the answers

Franz Joseph Haydn composed his first mass at what age?

19 Signup and view all the answers

Franz Joseph Haydn composed his first string quartet at what age?

23 Signup and view all the answers

Franz Joseph Haydn composed his first symphony at what age?

27 Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Classical Music Overview

Classical music refers to the style of music that emerged in Europe during the 18th and early 19th centuries.
The term "classical" is derived from art history, indicating a connection to traditional forms and elegance.

Influences on Classical Music

Ancient Greek and Roman cultures significantly influenced the concept of classical music and its characteristics.

Key Elements of the Classical Period

Stressed balance and structure in musical composition and the visual arts.
Emphasized three core principles: balance, order, and clarity, which guided both music and art.

Criteria for Classical Era Music

Music needed to be universal, transcending geographic boundaries.
It should appeal to the nobility while being entertaining to the middle class.
Expressiveness was important, although it had to remain within established decorum.
Music should be free of technical complications, promoting a natural sound.
Accessibility was essential, allowing it to be enjoyed by a broad audience.

Prominent Composers

The classical period is primarily associated with three composers:
- Franz Joseph Haydn
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
- Ludwig van Beethoven

Societal Changes

The era witnessed a shift from an aristocracy-dominated musical landscape to one that increasingly catered to the middle class.

Development of the Composer's Role

The classical period marked the emancipation of composers, allowing them greater creative freedom.

Profiles of Major Composers

Franz Joseph Haydn:
- Spent most of his life as a musical servant to a wealthy aristocratic family.
- Born in Rohrau, Austria. Composed his first mass at age 19, a string quartet at 23, and his first symphony at 27.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart:
- Tried to break from aristocratic service but struggled financially and died in poverty due to his temperament.
Ludwig van Beethoven:
- First major composer to fully break away from aristocratic patronage, setting a precedent for future composers to become freelance artists.

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Test your knowledge of classical music during the 18th and 19th centuries with these flashcards. Learn about key terms, historical influences, and the artistic context of this influential period in music history.