Mapeh reviewer
Music
Music of the Classical Period
Classical Era
Also called “Age of Reason”
1750-1820
Cultural life was dominated by the aristocracy, as patrons of musicians and
artists generally influenced the arts.
Significant changes in musical forms and styles were made.
In the middle of the 18th Century, Europe began to move toward a new style in
architecture, literature, and arts, known as Classicism.
Important events occurred during this era like French Revolution and the
Napoleonic Wars, American Declaration of Independence in 1776, American
Revolution
The term classical denotes conformity with the principles and characteristics of
ancient Greek and Roman literature and art (formal, elegant, simple, freed,
dignified)
Harmony and texture is homophonic in general.
Dynamics of loud and soft was clearly shown through the extensive use of
crescendo and diminuendo.
A style of broken chord accompaniment called Alberti Bass was practiced.
Famous composers during this era
Franz Joseph Haydn
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Ludwig Van Beethoven
Instrumental forms developed during this era
Sonata
Concerto
Symphony
Vocal forms developed during this era
Opera Seria
Opera Buffa
Composers of the classical period
Franz joseph haydn (1732-1809)
“Father of the Symphony”
His life is described as a “rags-to-riches” story.
He was hired by rich patrons and eventually became a musical director for the
Esterhazy family for 30 years.
His music reflects his character and personality: mainly calm, balanced, serious
but with touch of humor.
He was able to compose over 100 symphonies.
Works
Surprise Symphony
The Clock
The Military
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)
He is a child prodigy and the most amazing genius in musical history.
At age 5, he was already playing violin and harpsichord.
At age 6, he was recognized as exceptional pianist.
At age 7, he was already composing excellent music.
At age 13, he had written sonatas, concertos, symphonies, religious works,
operas and operettas.
He composed over 700 works.
Due to mismanaged finances, he lived his life in poverty, died young, and was
buried in unknown grave.
Works
The Marriage of Figaro (1786)
Don Giovanni (1789)
The Magic Flute
Eine Kleine Nachtmusik
Symphony no. 40 in G Major
Sonata no. 11 in A Major K311
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)
He was born in Boon, Germany to a family of musicians
He studied music at an early age.
He was the composer who bridged the late Classical era and the early Romantic
era.
He was a talented pianist and composer.
He composed 32 piano sonatas, 21 set of variations, 9 symphonies, 5 concertos
for piano, 16 string quartets, and choral music.
He began to go deaf in 1796 but this did not became a hindrance.
He continued composing through the help of an assistant and hearing gadget.
Works
Missa Solemnis (1818-1823)
Fidelio (opera) (1805)
Symphony no. 3 (“Eroica”)
Symphony no. 5
Symphony no. 6 (“Pastoral”)
Symphony no. 9 (“Choral”)
Characteristics of his works
His music veered toward larger orchestras
Sound was centered on the violas and lower registers of the violins and cellos to
give his music a darker mood.
All themes in a piece are tied together by one motif.
He developed musical themes and motifs extensively by means of modulation.
He used more brass instruments and dynamics.
Vocal and instrumental music
Sonata
A multi-movement work for solo instrument
Sonata came from the word Sonare which means “to make a sound”.
This term is applied to a variety of works for solo instruments such as keyboard
or violin.
Example:
Sonata no. 16 in C Major K545 by W.A. Mozart
1st Movement: Allegro – fast movement
2nd Movement: Andante – slow movement
3rd Movement: Minuet – three-four time and in a moderate or fast tempo
Sonata allegro form
the most important form, that developed during the classical era consists of 3
distinct sections: Exposition, Development, Recapitulation
Example:
Eine Kleine Nachtmusik by W.A. Mozart
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
exposition.
Concerto
A multi-movement work designed for an instrumental soloist and orchestra.
A classical form of music intended primarily to emphasize the individuality of the
solo instrument and to exhibit the virtuosity and interpretative abilities of the
performer.
The solo instruments in classical concertos include violin, cello, clarinet,
bassoon, trumpet, horn and piano.
A concerto has three movements: fast, slow, fast.
Example:
Emperor by Beethoven
1st Movement: Fast – Sonata-allegro form with expositions of 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 orchestra
Symphony is derived from the word sinfonia which literally means “a harmonious
sounding together”.
A classical music for the whole orchestra, generally in four movements.
Example:
Surprise Symphony by Haydn
1st Movement: fast – sonata-allegro form
2nd Movement: Slow – gentle, lyrical – typical ABA form or theme and variation
3rd Movement: Medium/Fast – uses a dance form (Minuet or scherzo)
4th Movement: Fast – typically Rondo or Sonata form
Classical opera
Opera – a drama set to music where singers and musicians perfrom in a
theatrical setting.
Two distinct style: Opera Seria and Opera Buffa
Opera Seria – usually implies heroic or tragic drama that employs mythological
characters (inherited from Baroque period)
Opera Buffa (comic opera) – from Italy made use of everyday characters and
situations, and typically employed spoken dialogues, lengthy arias and was
spiced with sight gags, naughty humor and social satire.
Example of opera seria:
Idomeneo by W.A. Mozart
Example of opera buffa
The Marriage of Figaro
Don Giovanni
The Magic Flute
