Music of the Classical Period (1750-1820) MAPEH 9

Music of the Classical Period,

  The Classical Era, also called "Age of Reason," is the period from 1750-1820. The cultural life was dominated by 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 the arts, known as classicism. It was also pushed forward by changes in the economic order and in social structure. Instrumental music was patronized primarily by the nobility.
   Important historical events that occurred in the West during this era were the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars, the American Declaration of Independence in 1776, and the American Revolution.

Music of Medieval Period
The term classical denotes conformity with the principles and characteristics of ancient Greek and Roman literature and art which were formal, elegant, simple, freed, and dignified. The same characteristics may also describe melodies of classical music. Harmony and texture is homophonic in general. The dynamics of loud and soft was clearly shown through the extensive use of crescendo and diminuendo. A style of broken chord accompaniment called Albert Bass was practiced.

Great composers of the period were:

• Franz Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) most prominent composers of the classical period. His life is described as "rags-to-riches" story. He came from poor family and his music led to his rise in social status.
• Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) a child prodigy and the most amazing genius in musical history. At age 5, he was already playing the violin and the harpsichord; at six he was recognized as exceptional pianist, and at seven he was already composing excellent music. At age 13, he had written sonatas, concertos, symphonies, religious works, and operas and operattas.
• Ludwig Van Beethoven (1770-1827) born in Bonn, Germany to a family of musicians and studied music at early age. He was the composer who bridged the late classical era and the early romantic era. He was a talented pianist and composer.

Instrumental Forms Developed during this era while Opera Seria and Opera Buffa are the two vocal forms.

Vocal and Instrumental Music

• Sonata a multi-movement work for a solo instrument, Sonata came from the word sonare, which means "to make a sound." This term is applied to a variety of works for a solo instrument such as keyboard or violin.
• Concerto is a multi-movement work designed for an instrumental soloist and orchestra. It is 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, and fast.
• Symphony a multi-movement for orchestra, the symphony is derived from the word sinfonia which literally means "a harmonious sounding together." It is a classical music for the whole orchestra, generally in four movements.