Unit II Music: Music of the Classical period
Classical Period
 Also called as the age of Reasoning, is
the period from 1750-1820
 The birth of Classicism
 The word classical denotes conformity
with the principles and characteristics of
Ancient Greece and Rome (formal,
elegant, simple, freed, dignified)
 Cultural life was dominated by
aristocracy
 Important historical events: The French
Revolution and Napoleonic War and the
American Independence (1776)
Characteristics of Music
1. Harmony and texture is homophonic in
general
2. Melodies are same with classical music
3. Dynamics were clearly shown
4. A style of broken chord accompaniment
called, Alberti Bass was practiced
Great Composers of the Classical period
1. Franz Joseph Haydn (1732-1809)
 One of the most prominent composers
of the classical period
 Life was describe as “rags-to-riches”
story
 His music reflects his character and
personality
o Mainly calm
o Balanced
o Serious but with touches of
humors
 Able to composed 100 symphonies and
developed them into a long forms for a
large orchestra
 Named as the “Father of Symphony”
 Works includes
o Symphony no. 94 in G Major
(Surprise)
o Symphony no. 101 in D Major
(The Clock)
o Symphony no. 100 in G Major
(Military)
2. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)
 The most amazing genius in musical
history
 Learn to play violin and harpsichord at
the age of 5
 Recognized as an exceptional pianist at
the age of 6
 Composing excellent music at the age of
7
 Written sonatas, concertos, symphonies,
religious works and operas at the age of
13
 Composed over 700 works, examples
are
o The Marriage Figaro (1786)
o Don Giovanni (1789)
o The Magic Flute
4. Ludwig Van Beethoven (1770-1827)
 Born in Bonn, Germany to a family of
musicians
 Composer who bridged the late
Classical Era and Early Romantic Era
 Talented pianist and composer
 Began to go deaf on 1796 but did not
became a hindrance
 Some of his famous compositions were
made when he was deaf.
 Works includes
o Missa Solemnis (1818-1823)
o Fidelio 91805)
o Symphony no. 2 (Eroica)
o No. 5, no. 6 (Pastoral)
o No. 9 (Choral)
o Piano Sonata no. 14 in C sharp
minor (Moonlight)
Vocal and Instrumental Music
1. Sonata
 A multi-movement work for solo
instruments
 Came from the word “sonare”, which
means to make sound
2. Sonata Allegro
 The most important form that developed
during the classical era
 Consist of distinct sections
o Exposition- first part that
introduced the theme
o Development- 2nd part where the
theme are being developed
 o Recapitulation- repeats the
theme as they first emerge in the
opening exposition
3. Concerto
 Multi-movement work designed for an
instrumental soloist and orchestra
 Music intended primarily to emphasized
the individuality of the solo instrument
and to exhibit the virtuosity and
interpretative of abilities of the
performer
 Solo instruments include: violin, cello,
clarinet, bassoon, trumpet, horn and
piano
 Has three movements:
o 1st (Fast)- Exposition
o 2nd (Slow)- more ornamentation
o 3rd (Fast)- Finale
4. Symphony
 Movement work for orchestra, derived
from the word “Sinfonia”, meaning
“Harmonious Sounding Together”
 Has 4 movements
o 1st (Fast) Sonata Allegro Form
o 2nd (Slow) gentle
o 3rd (Medium/Fast) uses a dance
form
o 4th (Fast)
5. Classical Opera
 A drama set to music where singers and
musicians perform in a theatrical setting.
 Styles
o Opera Seria- serious opera,
usually implies heroic or tragic
drama, associated with
mythology that was inherited
from the Baroque Period
o Opera Buffa- comic opera,
from Italy, made use of
everyday character and
situations, typically employed
spoken dialogues, humors and
social satire