Classical Period Music Overview

Classical Period Music

• The term "classical" refers to the period from 1750-1820.
• This period is often called the "Age of Reason".
• Aristocracy and nobility heavily influenced cultural life and sponsored instrumental music.
• The style is characterized by a Classical approach to conformity.

Classical Music Forms

• Alberti Bass: A broken chord accompaniment used frequently in vocal and instrumental music.
• Sonata: The term "Sonata" originated from the word "Sonare" meaning "to make a sound".
  • Sonata Allegro is a major form in music consisting of three sections: exposition, development, recapitulation.
  • The exposition presents the theme.
  • The development section explores different variations of the theme.
  • The recapitulation repeats the theme, often in a modified way.
• Concerto: A multi-movement work typically featuring a soloist and an orchestra. The soloist's part is emphasized.
• Symphony: Derived from the word sinfonia, meaning "harmonious sounding together" and is structured with 4 movements.

Classical Opera

• Classical Opera comes in two distinct styles: -Opera Seria: Serious, heroic, and tragic. -Opera Buffa: Comic, using everyday characters.

Classical Composers

• Franz Joseph Haydn: Known as the "Father of Symphony", composing calm, balanced, and humorous music.
• Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: A child prodigy, considered one of the most influential classical composers.
• Ludwig van Beethoven: A crucial figure bridging the classical and romantic styles.

Baroque Art

• Baroque: Art style derived from the word "barocco," meaning "irregularly shaped pearl."
• It often reflects the Catholic Church's desire to spread Christianity.
• Baroque art and architecture emphasized grandeur, dynamism, and spectacle.
• These styles included expressive power, control gestures, and dynamic movement.

Baroque Artists

• Michelangelo Caravaggio: Deviated from Renaissance style, notably in his Conversion of St. Paul artwork.
• Gian Bernini: Sculpted various works, including a reimagined David.
• Peter Rubens: A Flemish Baroque painter renowned for figures and mythical subjects.
• Rembrandt Rijn: A Dutch realist painter well-known for self-portraits.
• Diego Velasquez: A Spanish golden age painter, well-known for Las Meninas.

Social Dances

• Dance etiquette guides social interaction during social dances and mixers.
• Dance mixers allow performers to change partners.
• Latin American dances are one classification of social dances.

Modern Standard Dances

• Modern standard dances, like slow and Viennese waltzes, and tango, are sophisticated and revealing.

Health Preventions of Substance Use and Abuse

• Drugs: Substances causing psychological, emotional, and other effects within the body. (ex. Shabu, methamphetamine hydrochloride, marijuana, etc.)
• Drug Dependence: A priority when using a substance, frequently using it and having a strong desire to use that substance.
• Drug Misuse: Using a substance inconsistently compared to a prescribed dosage or frequency.
• Drug Abuse: Using a substance without a medical reason, leading to addiction and other issues.
• Drug Tolerance: The body adapting to the effects of a substance after frequent use.
• Risk Factors: Influences that increase the chances to misuse drugs.
• Protective Factors: Influences that decrease the chances to misuse drugs.

Classification of Drugs

• Gateway Drugs: Substances (i.e. alcohol, cigarettes) that often lead to use of other harder drugs. Depressants (e.g., alcohol, tranquilizers), stimulants (e.g., caffeine, nicotine, cocaine), narcotics (e.g., heroin, cocaine), hallucinogens (e.g., mushrooms, mescaline), and inhalants (e.g., acetone, spray paint) are among the classifications.