Classical Music Overview 1750-1820

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.

Related Art Forms

• 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.

Related Historical Events

• 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.