- I. The Classical Period
A. 1750 - 1820
B. Polyphonic structure of the Baroque period is rejected in favor of tuneful melodies and simple harmonies.
C. Contrast of mood.
D. Rhythm
1. Variety of rythmic patterns
2. Unexpected pauses, syncopations, and frequent changes.
E. Texture
1. Generally homophonic
2. Polyphony is used to provide contrast.
F. Melody
1. Tuneful and easy to remember.
2. Balanced and Symmetrical
G. Dynamics
1. Gradual dynamic change
a. crescendo, decrescendo
2. Leads to the popularity of the piano, replacing the harpsichord as the most popular keyboard instrument.
H. Classical orchestra
1. More standardized.
a. Strings - violins, violas, cellos, double bass
b. Woodwinds - flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon
c. Brass - French Horn, trumpet
-trombones used in opera and church music.
d. Percussion - 2 Timpani
II. Relationship between composer and the listener.
A. Joseph Haydn spent most of his career working for the Aristocracy.
B. Mozart did not want to be a servant and eventually gave up a court position to be a free-lance composer.
C. Beethoven followed Mozart’s lead and worked as an independent musician.
1. Success largely due to a wider middle-class market for music.
2. His commanding personality led many in the aristocracy to treat him as an equal.
D. Vienna
1. Musical center of Europe
2. The seat of the Holy Roman Empire
3. The big 3 (Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven) all worked here.
4. Music was heard in private concerts for the aristocracy, as well as a considerable amount of outdoor music which could be enjoyed by the common people.
III. The Classical Symphony
A. Symphony
1. Extended and ambitious
2. 20 - 45 minutes long
3. Usually consists of four movements
a. Dramatic and fast
b. Slow
c. Dancelike, moderate to fairly quick
d. Brilliant, heroic, fast
4. Each movement is self-contained. Has its own themes and rarely are these themes shared between movements.
5.What holds the symphony together?
a. The first, third, and fourth movements are generally in the same key.
b. Each movement should complement the others musically and emotionally.
IV. The Classical Concerto
A. Concerto
1. 3 movements
a. Fast, slow, fast
2. Written for soloist and orchestra
a. Soloist and orchestra are of equal importance.
b. Piano was the preferred solo instrument, but violin, cello, horn, trumpet, clarinet, and bassoon are also used.
3. Cadenza
a. The soloist displays virtuosity by playing scale passages and arpeggios (broken chords).
V. Classical Chamber Music
A. Music meant to be played in a smaller room.
B. 2-9 musicians, one person per part.
C. No conductor. Each musician must be mindful of the music and the other musicians in order to coordinate dynamics and phrasing.
D. String quartet
1. Two violins, one viola, one cello
2. Four movements
a. Fast, slow, dancelike (minuet or scherzo), fast
VI. Forms
A. Sonata form
1. Three main sections
a. Exposition
- First theme is presented in the home key.
- Bridge – transition in the music that leads to second theme (in a new key).
- Second theme.
- Closing section that ends in the key of the second theme.
b. Development – in this section themes are developed and treated in new ways.
- They are broken into fragments called motives, which are short musical ideas developed within a composition.
c. Recapitulation – First theme, bridge, second theme and closing section are presented again.
- Almost exactly like the exposition, but everything is presented in the home key.
d. Coda – rounds off the movement by repeating themes or developing them further.
B. Theme and Variations
1. A basic musical idea, the theme, is repeated over and over, but changed each time.
C. Minuet and Trio
1. Derived from dance
2. ABA form
a. Minuet, trio, minuet
3. Often used for the third movement of classical symphonies, string quartets, etc.
D. Rondo
1. Often the last movement in classical symphonies, string quartets, etc.
2. Main theme that returns several times, alternating with other themes.
VII. Joseph Haydn (1732 – 1809) Rohrau, Austria
A. Was around folk music growing up, singing with family and neighbors.
B. At 8, went to Vienna and became a choirboy at Cathedral of St. Stephen.
C. During his teens, taught music lessons and taught himself to compose.
D. At 29 he went to work for Prince Esterhazy, the most rich and powerful aristocrat in Hungary.
E. When the Prince dies, Haydn travels to London where he realizes that he is quite famous.
VIII. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) Salzburg, Austria
A. Keyboard at 4
B. Composing at 5
C. Traveled Europe at age 6 with his father and sister.
D. At age 8, was published for the first time.
E. At 13, he composed his first opera at the request of an emperor.
F. By 25, was considered the best keyboard player in Austria and was a respected composer.
G. Dies at 35
1. Had composed over 600 works
2. Considered to be the finest works of the Classical period.
IX. Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) Bonn, Germany
A. His first teacher was his father, who was highly demanding and possibly abusive.
B. Travels to Vienna in 1787. He hopes to meet and study with Mozart.
C. Starts experiencing hearing loss in his early twenties, but continues to compose, even after going completely deaf.
D. Most important composer in the transitional period between the classical period and the romantic period.