Classical Music

- 1750 – 1820
- Also called “Age of Reason”
- formal, elegant, simple, freed and dignified.
- Harmony and texture are homophonic in general.
- Dynamics of loud and soft
Vocal and instrumental music
Sonata
- A multi-movement work for solo instrument
1st movement – allegro (fast movement)
2nd movement – andante (slow movement)
3rd movement – Minuet – it is in three-four time and in a moderate or fast tempo.
Sonata allegro form
- Fast facing type of sonata
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 ecxposition
Concerto
- Is a multi-movement work designed for an instrumental soloist and orchestra.
1st movement –(fast) sonata-allegro form with exposition to the orchestra and then by the soloist
2nd movement – (slow) has more ornamentation than the first movement
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 whole orchestra,
- Is has 4 movements
1st movement (fast) – sonata-allegro form
2nd movement (slow) – gentle, lyrical
3rd movement (medium/fast) – uses a dance form
4th movement (fast) – typically rondo or sonata form
Classical Opera
- Is a drama set to music where singers and musicians perform in a theatrical setting.
- Opera seria – (serious opera) usually implies heroic or tragic drama that employs mythological characters, which inherited from the
baroque period.
- Opera buffa – (comic opera) form Italy made use of everyday characters and situations, and typically employed spoken dialogues, lightly
arias and was spiced with sight gags, naughty humor and social satire.
Composers of the classical period
Franz Joseph Hydn
- 1782- 1809
- The father of symphony
- His life is described as a “rags-to-riches” story.
- Musical style: mainly calm, balanced, serious but with touches of humor.
- He was able to compose over 100 symphonies and developed them into long forms for a large orchestra.
- Famous works:
- symphony no. 94 in G minor “surprise”
- symphony no. 101 in G major “the clock”
- symphony no. 100 in G major “military”
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
- 1756-1791
- Child prodigy and most amazing genius in musical history
- Age of 5, he was already playing violin and the harpsichord; at six, he was recognized as an exceptional pianist and at seven, he was
already composing excellent music. At age thirteen, he had written sonatas, concertos, symphonies, religious work, and operas and
operattas.
- Live in poverty died in poverty
- Famous works:
1. The marriage of Figaro
2. Don Giovanni
3. The magic Flute
4. Eiene Kleine Nachtmusik
5. Symphony no. 40 in G Major
6. Sonata no. 11 in A Major K311
Ludwig Van Beethoven
- 1770-1827
- The deaf composer (1796)
- He was a talented pianist and composer and his famous works includes 32 piano sonatas, 21 set of variations, 9 symphonies, 5 concertos
for piano, 16 string quartets and choral music.
Famous works
1. Missa Solemnis
2. Fidelio
3. Eroica
4. Pastoral
5. Choral