Podcast
Questions and Answers
What years does classicism, as a stylistic period in western music, roughly encompass?
What years does classicism, as a stylistic period in western music, roughly encompass?
1750-1820
What years does the preclassical period roughly encompass?
What years does the preclassical period roughly encompass?
1730-1770
When did the fully developed classical style in music flourish?
When did the fully developed classical style in music flourish?
1770-1820
Which of the following statements is not true of the classical period?
Which of the following statements is not true of the classical period?
Signup and view all the answers
Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach and _____ were two of the more important preclassical composers.
Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach and _____ were two of the more important preclassical composers.
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following composers is not considered a master of the classical period?
Which of the following composers is not considered a master of the classical period?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following statements is not true?
Which of the following statements is not true?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following characteristics is not typical of the music of the classical period?
Which of the following characteristics is not typical of the music of the classical period?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following statements is not true of the music of the classical period?
Which of the following statements is not true of the music of the classical period?
Signup and view all the answers
What did the typical orchestra of the classical period consist of?
What did the typical orchestra of the classical period consist of?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following instruments were not normally included in the classical orchestra?
Which of the following instruments were not normally included in the classical orchestra?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a symphony?
What is a symphony?
Signup and view all the answers
What was social mobility during the classical period?
What was social mobility during the classical period?
Signup and view all the answers
Political and economic power shifted to the middle class from the aristocracy and the?
Political and economic power shifted to the middle class from the aristocracy and the?
Signup and view all the answers
What flavored serious composition during the classical period?
What flavored serious composition during the classical period?
Signup and view all the answers
What did the prospering middle class in the classical period seek?
What did the prospering middle class in the classical period seek?
Signup and view all the answers
Who conducted public concerts presented by the Concert des Amateurs in Paris in the 1770s?
Who conducted public concerts presented by the Concert des Amateurs in Paris in the 1770s?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following statements is not true?
Which of the following statements is not true?
Signup and view all the answers
Where was Joseph Haydn content to spend most of his life?
Where was Joseph Haydn content to spend most of his life?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Classical Period Overview
- Classicism in Western music spans from 1750 to 1820.
- The preclassical period is identified as 1730 to 1770.
- The fully developed classical style thrived between 1770 and 1820.
Characteristics of the Classical Period
- Philosophers viewed the era as the "age of enlightenment," acknowledging a major historical turning point.
- The heavy baroque style transitioned to the lighter, intimate rococo style during the early 18th century.
- Rococo was later overshadowed by the neoclassical style, emphasizing simplicity and grandeur akin to ancient Greek and Roman art.
Key Composers
- Significant preclassical figures include Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach and Johann Christian Bach.
- Johann Christian Bach is not classified as a master of the classical period.
Musical Elements
- Composers during this era drew inspiration from folk and popular music.
- Classical compositions are characterized by fluctuating moods, distinguishing them from late baroque pieces which often conveyed singular emotions.
- Unlike late baroque, the basso continuo was not central in classical compositions, marking a shift in orchestral structure.
Orchestra Composition
- A standard classical orchestra consisted of strings, woodwinds, horns, trumpets, and timpani, but typically excluded trombones.
- A symphony is defined as a sonata for orchestra.
Social and Cultural Context
- Social mobility played a crucial role in the emergence of the middle class, shifting political and economic power away from the aristocracy and church.
- Public concerts became popular, with the Concert des Amateurs in Paris conducted by the Chevalier de Saint-Georges.
- Joseph Haydn's employment highlighted his status as a skilled servant within the artistic landscape.
Observations on Music
- Classical melodies are memorable and tuneful, featuring diverse rhythmic patterns.
- The music of the classical period is not fundamentally polyphonic; instead, it is noted for balance and structural clarity.
- Comic operas of this era engaged with middle-class themes, integrating popular tunes while often parodying the aristocracy.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your knowledge of the Classical music period with these flashcards. Covering dates, styles, and key concepts, this quiz will reinforce your understanding of classical music history from 1750-1820. Perfect for students and enthusiasts alike!