Classical Music Overview 1750-1820

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Questions and Answers

Mozart was recognized as an exceptional ______ at the age of six.

pianist

He created more than ______ compositions.

700

Beethoven was born in Bonn, ______, on December 17, 1770.

Germany

Beethoven began to lose his ______ at around the age of 30.

hearing Signup and view all the answers

Symphony is derived from the word 'sinfonia' which means a harmonious sounding ______.

together Signup and view all the answers

Mozart's well-known operas include 'The Marriage of Figaro' and 'Don ______'.

Giovanni Signup and view all the answers

In Classical Opera, 'Opera Seria' usually implies ______ or tragic drama that employs mythological characters.

heroic Signup and view all the answers

Beethoven's famous compositions include 9 ______.

symphonies Signup and view all the answers

'Opera buffa' is known for its fun and ______ plot, typically with a happy ending.

humorous Signup and view all the answers

The 'Missa Solemnis' and the opera 'Fidelio' are among Beethoven's later ______.

works Signup and view all the answers

Beethoven is considered the composer who bridged the late Classical era and the early ______ era.

Romantic Signup and view all the answers

Alberti Bass is a type of ______ accompaniment that creates a smooth, flowing sound.

broken chord Signup and view all the answers

Largo is a style of music that is very ______ in tempo.

slow Signup and view all the answers

Franz Joseph Haydn was known as the 'Father of the ______' due to his contributions to the genre.

Symphony Signup and view all the answers

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is recognized as one of the greatest composers in the history of ______ music.

Western Signup and view all the answers

Mozart's famous works include 104 symphonies, 60 piano ______, and 25 operas.

sonatas Signup and view all the answers

The Classical Era is also called the 'Age of ______'

Reason Signup and view all the answers

Harmony and texture in Classical music is generally ______.

homophonic Signup and view all the answers

A ______ is a multi-movement work for solo instrument.

Sonata Signup and view all the answers

The three distinct sections of Sonata Allegro Form are Exposition, ______, and Recapitulation.

Development Signup and view all the answers

A ______ is a multi-movement work designed for an instrumental soloist and orchestra.

Concerto Signup and view all the answers

The ______ is a multi-movement work for orchestra, generally in four movements.

Symphony Signup and view all the answers

The term ______ refers to the volume of a sound or tone.

Dynamics Signup and view all the answers

The principles of conformity in the Classical period were influenced by ancient Greek and Roman ______.

literature Signup and view all the answers

His famous compositions include 32 piano sonatas, 9 symphonies, and 5 concertos for ______.

piano Signup and view all the answers

The known symphonies include Symphony No. 3 (Eroica), No. 5, and No. 6 (Pastoral), and No. 9 (Choral), which adds ______ to the orchestra.

voices Signup and view all the answers

Instrumental music during the Classical period was primarily patronized by the ______.

nobility Signup and view all the answers

The musical instruments during the Classical period are divided into four main groups: string, ______, woodwind, and brass instrument.

percussion Signup and view all the answers

In the strings group, common examples include violin, viola, ______, and double bass.

cello Signup and view all the answers

The woodwind family of instruments includes the flute, piccolo, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, and ______.

saxophone Signup and view all the answers

Percussion instruments produce sounds through hitting, shaking, or ______.

scraping Signup and view all the answers

Tuned percussion instruments produce definite pitches while untuned instruments deliver indefinite sounds or ______.

pitch Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Classical Period (1750-1820)

The Classical Era, also called the "Age of Reason", spanned from 1750-1820.
The aristocracy dominated cultural life during this time, acting as patrons of musicians and artists.
The term "Classical" reflects a connection to ancient Greek and Roman art and literature, emphasizing formality, elegance, simplicity, and dignity.

Characteristics of Classical Music

Harmony and texture predominantly leaned towards homophony.
Dynamics, including loud and soft, were clearly expressed through the extensive use of crescendo and diminuendo.
Alberti Bass, a style of broken chord accompaniment, was a common practice.

Elements of Music

Melody: A combination of pitch and rhythm.
Tempo: The speed at which music is played.
Dynamics: The volume of a sound or tone.
Texture: Homophonic texture consists of a melody supported by chords.
Pitch: The rate of vibrations producing a sound, determining the degree of highness or lowness of a tone.

Instrumental Forms of the Classical Period

Sonata: A multi-movement work for solo instrument. The term "sonata" originates from the Italian word "sonare", meaning "to make a sound".
- Sonata Allegro Form: The most significant form developed during the Classical era.
  - Exposition: Introduces the theme.
  - Development: Explores harmonic and textural possibilities of the thematic material.
  - Recapitulation: Repeats the theme as presented in the exposition.
Concerto: A multi-movement work designed for an instrumental soloist and orchestra, typically with three movements: fast, slow, and fast.
Symphony: A multi-movement work for orchestra, generally comprising four movements: fast, slow, medium, and fast. "Symphony" derives from the Italian word "sinfonia," meaning "a harmonious sounding together".

Vocal Music of the Classical Period

Opera: A drama set to music performed in a theatrical setting by singers and musicians.
- Opera Seria (Serious Opera): Employs mythological characters and focuses on heroic or tragic drama.
- Opera Buffa (Comic Opera): Italian opera known for its humorous plot and typically features a happy ending.

Musical Styles of Classical Music

Alberti Bass: A specific broken chord accompaniment pattern: lowest note - highest note - middle note - highest note, creating a flowing, sustained sound.
Allegro: A fast, brisk, and lively musical tempo.
Largo: A very slow tempo in Classical music.
Suite: A collection of short musical pieces assembled to create a larger work.

Franz Joseph Haydn (1732-1809)

Born in Rohrau, Austria, and died in Vienna.
His life was described as a rags-to-riches story, as he rose in social status through his music.
His personality and character were reflected in his music: calm, balanced, serious with humorous touches.
Known as the "Father of the Symphony" and "Father of the String Quartet" for his important contributions to these genres.
Many of his symphonies have nicknames, such as the "Surprise Symphony," "The Clock," and "The Military."
He also composed chamber piano music and choral works.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)

One of the most prominent composers of the Classical Period.
His life was also a rags-to-riches story.
He was known as the "Father of the Symphony."
Among his famous works are over 100 symphonies, 60 piano sonatas, 68 string quartets, masses, oratorios, and 25 operas (10 lost).
Many of his symphonies have nicknames such as the "Surprise Symphony," "The Clock," and "The Military."
He also composed chamber piano music and choral works.
Born in Salzburg, Austria, and died in Vienna.
Widely recognized as one of the greatest composers in Western musical history and considered a musical genius.
A child prodigy, displaying exceptional musical talent at a young age.
He began composing at age seven and wrote a vast repertoire of sonatas, concertos, symphonies, religious works, and operas by age thirteen.
He created over 700 compositions.
He experienced poverty due to financial mismanagement and died young, buried in an unmarked grave.
Some of Mozart's most famous works are: "The Marriage of Figaro" (1786), “Don Giovanni (1789), and "The Magic Flute", which achieved great popularity.
Other known works: "Eine Kleine Nachtmusik," Symphony No. 40 in G Major, and Sonata No. 11 in A Major K311.
Mozart experimented with various musical styles and composed a prolific amount of music.

Ludwig Van Beethoven (1770-1827)

Born and baptized in Bonn, Germany, and died in Vienna, Austria.
Came from a family of musicians and began studying music at a young age.
Bridged the late Classical era and the early Romantic era.
He was a brilliant pianist and composer.
Began to go deaf around the age of 30 (1796).
Continued composing with the help of an assistant and hearing aids, even after losing his hearing.
Some of his most famous compositions were created during his period of deafness.
His notable works include: 32 piano sonatas, 21 sets of variations, 9 symphonies, 5 piano concertos, 16 string quartets, and choral music.
His works include the Piano Concerto No. 5 "Emperor", "Missa Solemnis" (1818-1823) and opera "Fidelio" (1805).
Famous symphonies:
- Symphony No. 3 (Eroica)
- Symphony No. 5
- Symphony No. 6 (Pastoral)
- Symphony No. 9 (Choral), which features vocal parts.

In the mid-18th century, Europe embraced a new style known as Classicism, influencing architecture, literature, and the arts.
This shift was partially driven by changes in economic and social structures.
Instrumental music was primarily funded by the nobility.

The French Revolution and the American Declaration of Independence in 1776.
The American Revolution.
The Napoleonic Wars.

Musical Instruments of the Classical Period

The instruments during the Classical Period can be broadly categorized into four groups:
- Strings
- Percussion
- Woodwinds
- Brass instruments

The Strings

Common examples include the violin, viola, cello, and double bass.
Techniques include plucking with fingers or a plectrum, striking strings with a mallet, and bowing the strings.

String Section

Violin
Viola
Cello
Double Bass

The Woodwinds

This family of instruments consists of tubes with an opening at one end and a mouthpiece at the other.
Keys are rows of holes covered by metal caps.
Sound changes depending on air flow exiting the instrument.
Instruments in descending general tone order: flute, piccolo, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, and saxophone.

The Percussion

Percussion instruments produce sound through hitting, shaking, or scraping techniques.
They can be tuned or untuned, affecting the pitch they generate.
Tuned instruments produce specific pitches while untuned instruments create undefined sounds.

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Description

Explore the Classical Period of music from 1750 to 1820, an era marked by the influence of aristocracy and the formal elegance reminiscent of ancient art. Delve into the characteristics of classical music, including harmony, dynamics, and various musical elements such as melody, tempo, and texture.