Classical Music Period (1750-1820) and Renaissance and Baroque Art

Classical Period

• The Classical Period was marked by significant historical events, but the primary influence on cultural life was the classical ideals of ancient Greece and Rome.
• Melodies during this period were characterized by simplicity, balance, and clarity.
• Harmony and texture were typically homophonic, with a prominent melody and accompaniment.

Famous Composers

• Haydn was one of the most prominent composers of the Classical Period, known for composing over 100 symphonies and developing them into long forms for a large orchestra.
• Joseph Haydn is considered the 'Father of the Symphony'.
• Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was a prolific composer, famous for works such as 'The Marriage of Figaro', 'Don Giovanni', and 'The Magic Flute'.
• Ludwig van Beethoven began to go deaf in 1796 but continued composing with the help of an assistant and hearing gadget.
• Franz Schubert lived a life of poverty, died young, and was buried in an unknown grave.

Renaissance Art

• Renaissance art was characterized by a focus on anatomy and perspective, with accurate proportions and realistic representations.
• Michelangelo was a renowned sculptor, painter, architect, and poet, and is considered one of the greatest artists of the Renaissance.
• The Duomo in Florence was considered the greatest cathedral construction of the Renaissance Period.

Renaissance Sculpture

• Sculptures during the Renaissance Period were characterized by naturalism, realism, and classical influences.

Renaissance Painting

• Common types of paintings during the Renaissance Period included frescoes, altarpieces, and portraits.

Renaissance Masters

• Leonardo da Vinci is considered the ultimate 'Renaissance man' due to his intellect, interest, talent, and expression of humanist and classical values.
• Caravaggio was an Italian artist who deviated from the classical masters of the Renaissance, famous for artworks such as 'Supper at Emmaus' and 'Entombment of Christ'.
• Donatello is known for his work in bas-relief, a form of shallow relief sculpture, and created famous artworks such as 'David' and 'Equestrian Monument of Gattamelata'.
• Raphael was admired for his work's clarity of form, ease of composition, and visual achievement of interpreting the Divine, and is famous for artworks like 'The Sistine Madonna' and 'The School of Athens'.
• Bernini was a multifaceted artist who practiced architecture, sculpture, painting, stage design, and was also a playwright, and is known for being the first Baroque artist.