Classical Music Period PDF

The Music of the Classical Period Lesson 1: The Age of Reason: The Classical Period What can you say about the classical piece “Turkish March”? Describe the music and the musicians in the video. Are you familiar with the instruments used in the video? Describe their combined sounds. o The class...

The Music of the Classical Period Lesson 1: The Age of Reason: The Classical Period What can you say about the classical piece “Turkish March”? Describe the music and the musicians in the video. Are you familiar with the instruments used in the video? Describe their combined sounds. o The classical period (1750-1820) was enveloped in the Enlightenment period, which is also known as “The Age of Reason.” During this time, people were into the use of reason, logic, and rational thoughts in interpreting the world. They believed that reason, not custom or tradition, must be the basis of society. They confronted the privileges of the nobility and the clergy, and they gave opportunities for the rights of the middle class. The rise of the middle class bridged the distinction between rich and poor. This concept challenged an established system of thoughts, ideas, and beliefs, which lead to revolutions. Because of these revolutions, some countries changed from being a monarchy to a democracy. Revolutions of all sorts, such as the French Revolution, American revolution, and Industrial revolution, marked this era. Unlike the French and American Revolutions, which were about social and political reformations, the Industrial Revolution was about technological advancement – machines, engines, and other advance tools emerged and changed the way people have lived. People started tom move to cities to work in factories that used machineries, which made work cheaper and faster. Art in Classical era Was highly influenced by the ancient arts and literature of Greece and Rome collectively known as Greco-Roman art. Classical Music It was characterized by its form, symmetry, and balance. In this period, composers began to consider artists from the middle class. They wrote less complicated and easy to understand music so that more people could appreciate it. It was called galant style, wherein simpler melodies that were easier to sing characterized the music with a contrast of mood within the movement. Music in this period was usually homophonic and considered as elegant. Melodic clarity and balance between the accompaniment and solo instruments were the trademark of classical music. The harpsichord was gradually replaced by the piano, which provided more control to the dynamics of the musical piece. The orchestra became larger, as the clarinets, flutes, oboes, and bassoons became part of it. Connect Contrary to popular belief, the term classical music refers to the music made in the classical period of western music, which is from 1750- 1820 Lesson 2: The Music Genre of the Classical Era What instrument was replaced by the piano during the classical period? What is the special feature of piano? What do you think is the role of the piano in classical music? o Instrumental music became more prevalent in this period, as compared to the Baroque and Renaissance eras. o Public concerts were made available to the middle class for entertainment purposes. o The orchestra became bigger in terms of its instruments and its members. o Franz Joseph Haydn, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and Ludwig van Beethoven dominated the music scene. o Sacred music remained more conservative than secular music, which pave the way for the popularity of new styles in instrumental compositions. o The harpsichord was replaced by the piano, which was capable of producing more subtle and soft sounds. Terraced dynamics was bridged by crescendo and decrescendo. Instrumental Forms (Genre) Instrumental forms were the genres of music in the classical period. The three most important genres during the classical period are (1) the sonata, (2) the concerto, and (3) the symphony 1. The sonata is a genre for solo instrumental music that is usually for the piano. It usually has two or more movements. The sonata allegro form is the first part of this multi-movement composition. It has three-part structure that features repetition and contrast commonly used in instrumental music. The exposition is the first section of the sonata, in this movement, the two contrasting themes or melodies were presented. The development is the second section, in this movement the two themes were varied to create contracting sections. The sections could change in texture, rhythm, and mood. The recapitulation is the last section. It is in ABA form, in this movement, the theme was repeated with a few changes. 2. The concerto is the genre for orchestra that features one soloist. It is usually in three movements or a fast-slow-fast movement. In contrast to Baroque concerto Grosso, which has a group of soloists, the classical concerto has only one soloist who is equally important as the orchestra. 3. The symphony is an extended work for orchestra; it has three to four movements. Symphonies usually lasted for 30 tom 45 minutes. The first movement is the sonata allegro form followed by the slow movement, then a minuet or a dance form, and the Rondo or the finale. Listen to Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata” What can you say with his composition? Does it catch your interest to like to like the piece? Lesson 3: Who is Mozart? Read and understand these famous quotes of Mozart…. “The music is not in the notes, but in the silence between.” “Neither lofty degree of intelligence nor imagination nor both together go to the making of genius. Love, love, love, that is the soul of genius.” “To talk well and eloquently is a very great art, but that an equally great one is to know the right moment to stop.” Among the three quotes, which one caught your interest? Why? What is the point or the main idea of the quotes of Mozart? Describe in one word. Do you personally recommend these quotes of Mozart? Why? o Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was one of the most well-known composers of the classical period o Many people today still perform and listen to his musical compositions. o Mozart was born in Salzburg, Austria on 27 January 1756. o His father was a successful composer, violinist, and assistant concertmaster at the Salzburg court. o He was known as a child prodigy for his exemplary musical talent at an early age. o He was a violin virtuoso, and composed minuets and symphonies when he was only 9 years old. o He spent his childhood traveling around Europe, playing for the nobles, royalty, and the public. Connect Mozart’s body was thrown into a common grave in the churchyard of St. Mark in Vienna, Austria. Mozart died a poor man despite his fame and exemplary musical talent. Lesson 4: Prominent Composers of the Classical Era Watch and listen to the following videos Do you find the mash-up of classical music creative? Why? Who are some of the composers included in the video that u are familiar with? What is personal comment about the mash-up of different classical compositions?  Franz Joseph Haydn was an Austrian composer who born on 31 March 1732. o He was one of the prolific and prominent composers of the classical period. o He was known as the father of the symphony and the string quartet. o He was one of the pioneers of the genres of classical music that later influenced the works of Mozart and Beethoven. o In his early age, Haydn had a good singing voice. His choirmaster suggested that he become a castrato, but the operation never happened due to the objection of his father. o Haydn’s works paved the way for his popularity in his later years o Haydn wrote 107 symphonies, 83 string quartets, 45 piano trios, 62 piano sonatas, 14 masses, and 26 operas, among others. o Haydn died peacefully in his sleep on 31 May 1809.  ❖ Ludwig van Beethoven was born on 16 December 1770 o In his early age, his father trained him to be a good musician. Beethoven became Haydn’s student. o He became deaf at the age of 46, making him unable to hear his compositions. o Despite his condition, it was during this time when he produced his most iconic works. o Beethoven's works are considered a bridge between the classical and romantic eras. o He composed an opera, six symphonies, four solo concerti, five string quartets, six string sonatas, seven piano sonatas, five sets of piano variations, four overtures, four trios, two sextets, and 72 songs. Beethoven died on 26 march 1827. Big Idea Just like Beethoven, you should never give up on the things you love to do and those that you are good at. The End