MUSIC OF THE

CLASSICAL PERIOD
 What is a sonata?

• A sonata is piece of instrumental music,

usually for a solo instrument, or a small
group.
 Structure and form

• In the Classical period (roughly 1750-1810)

'sonata' came to mean a work in several
movements, usually three.
 Sonata form

• The first movement is in a special sonata form made up

of:
• exposition
• development
• recapitulation
 Instruments
• During the Classical period the harpsichord had been largely
replaced by the piano.
• Many piano sonatas were written and many composers wrote
sonatas for a solo instrument and piano. Violin, cello and flute
sonatas were all popular.
• Mozart, Haydn and Beethoven all wrote piano sonatas, violin
sonatas and cello sonatas.
 Symphony and Concerto
The main difference between a concerto and a symphony is a
musical piece that has several segments that normally involves an
orchestra whereas a concerto is a piece that has three movements
which include a soloist and an orchestra.

A concerto is a musical piece in which there is a solo instrument

that is accompanied by an entire orchestra.
• This is the modern understanding of the concerto. It
became popular in the Baroque period along with the
concerto grosso in which a small group of instruments is
accompanied by an orchestra. There are many different
concertos like violin concertos, piano concertos, cello
concertos to name a few. Each will feature an expert on
the solo portions of the work. A violin concerto for
instance will feature a skilled violinist for the solo. A
symphony is an extended piece of music for an orchestra.
 Show the similarities and
differences between
VENN DIAGRAM symphony and concerto