Music Of The Classical Period (1750-1820) PDF

## Music of the Classical Period (1750-1820) - The classical era, also called "Age of Reason", is the period from 1750-1820. - The cultural life was dominated by the aristocracy, as patrons of musicians and artists who generally influenced the arts. - Significant changes in musical forms and style...

## Music of the Classical Period (1750-1820) - The classical era, also called "Age of Reason", is the period from 1750-1820. - The cultural life was dominated by the aristocracy, as patrons of musicians and artists who generally influenced the arts. - Significant changes in musical forms and styles were made. - The term “classical” denotes conformity with the principles and characteristics of ancient Greece and Roman literature and art which were formal, elegant, simple, freed and dignified. - Harmony and texture is homophonic in general. ## Sonata - A multi-movement work for solo instrument. - Came from the word "Sonare" which means to make a sound. - This term is applied to a variety of works for a solo instrument such as keyboard or violin. ### There are three movements in a Sonata: 1. **1st Movement:** Allegro - fast movement 2. **2nd Movement:** Slow tempo - (Andante, Largo, etc.), mostly lyrical and emotional. 3. **3rd Movement:** Minuet - It is in three-four time and in a moderate or fast tempo. ## Sonata Allegro Form - The most important form that developed during the classical era consists of 3 distinct sections: 1. **Exposition:** The first part of a composition in sonata form that introduces the theme. 2. **Development:** The middle part of the sonata-allegro form wherein themes are being developed. 3. **Recapitulation:** Repeats the theme as they first emerge in the opening exposition. ## Concerto - A multi-movement work designed for an instrumental soloist and orchestra. - A concerto has three movements: 1. **1st Movement:** Fast - Sonata-allegro form with expositions of the orchestra and then by the soloist. 2. **2nd Movement:** Slow - Has more ornamentation than the First movement. 3. **3rd Movement:** Fast - Finale: usually in a form of rondo, resembling the last movement of the symphony and usually a short cadenza is used. ## Symphony - A multi-movement work for orchestra. - Derived from the word "Sinfonia" which literally means “a harmonious sounding together". - It is a classical music for the whole orchestra. - It generally in four movements: 1. **1st Movement:** Fast - Sonata-allegro form 2. **2nd Movement:** Slow - gentle, lyrical – typical ABA form or theme and variation 3. **3rd Movement:** Medium/Fast - uses a dance form (Minuet or scherzo) 4. **4th Movement:** Fast - typically, Rondo or Sonata form ## Classical Opera - A drama set to music where singers and musicians perform in a theatrical setting. - It has two distinct styles: 1. **Opera Seria:** (serious opera) usually implies heroic or tragic drama that employs mythological characters, which was inherited from the Baroque period. 2. **Opera Buffa:** (comic opera) from Italy made use of everyday characters and situations, and typically employed spoken dialogues, lengthy arias and was spiced with sight gags, naughty humor and social satire. ## Franz Josef Haydn - One of the most prominent composers of the classical period. - His life is described as a “rags-to-riches” story. He came from a poor family and his music led to his rise in social status. - He was named, “Father of the Symphony". - Most of his symphonies have nicknames such as the "Surprise Symphony", “The Clock”, “The Military". ## Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - A child prodigy and the most amazing genius in musical history. - He experimented in all kinds of music and composed over 700 works. - Due to mismanaged finances he lived his life in poverty. - Composed wonderful concertos, symphonies and opera such as “The Marriage of Figaro”, “Don Giovanni”, and “The Magic Flute” which became popular. - Other known works: "Eine Kleine Nachtmusik”, “Symphony No. 40 in G Major”, and “Sonata No. 11 in A Major K311.” ## Ludwig van Beethoven - The composer who bridged the late Classical era and the early Romantic era. He was a talented pianist and composer. - He began to go deaf in 1796 but this did not become a hindrance. He continued composing through the help of an assistant and hearing gadget. Some of his famous compositions were made when he was deaf. - His works include: - Famous symphonies: Symphony No. 3 (Eroica), No. 5, No. 6 (Pastoral), No. 9 (Choral). - Other famous works: - Piano Sonata no 14 in c sharp minor (Moonlight) 1st movement - Piano Concerto no. 5 “Emperor” in E flat major - Symphon"y No. 5, Op. 67, C Minor - "Fur Elise" ## Generalization - Music of the Classical Era is usually associated with the nobility. - During that time most of the members of the nobility would financially support the musicians. - Music was played in the courts which make the music of the classical era more familiar to the nobility than the lower classes. - The association of the rich and Classical music is still being experienced in some parts of the world. - However, with the dawn of radio and TV, classical music may now be experienced by the masses.