Unit II Music: Music of the Classical period  Recognized as an exceptional pianist at

Classical Period the age of 6

 Also called as the age of Reasoning, is  Composing excellent music at the age of
the period from 1750-1820 7
 The birth of Classicism  Written sonatas, concertos, symphonies,
 The word classical denotes conformity religious works and operas at the age of
with the principles and characteristics of 13
Ancient Greece and Rome (formal,  Composed over 700 works, examples
elegant, simple, freed, dignified) are
 Cultural life was dominated by o The Marriage Figaro (1786)
aristocracy o Don Giovanni (1789)
 Important historical events: The French o The Magic Flute
Revolution and Napoleonic War and the 4. Ludwig Van Beethoven (1770-1827)
American Independence (1776)  Born in Bonn, Germany to a family of
Characteristics of Music musicians
1. Harmony and texture is homophonic in  Composer who bridged the late
general Classical Era and Early Romantic Era
2. Melodies are same with classical music  Talented pianist and composer
3. Dynamics were clearly shown  Began to go deaf on 1796 but did not
4. A style of broken chord accompaniment became a hindrance
called, Alberti Bass was practiced  Some of his famous compositions were
made when he was deaf.
Great Composers of the Classical period  Works includes
1. Franz Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) o Missa Solemnis (1818-1823)
 One of the most prominent composers o Fidelio 91805)
of the classical period o Symphony no. 2 (Eroica)
 Life was describe as “rags-to-riches”
story
 His music reflects his character and
personality o No. 5, no. 6 (Pastoral)
o Mainly calm
o No. 9 (Choral)
o Balanced
o Piano Sonata no. 14 in C sharp
o Serious but with touches of
minor (Moonlight)
humors Vocal and Instrumental Music
 Able to composed 100 symphonies and 1. Sonata
developed them into a long forms for a  A multi-movement work for solo
large orchestra instruments
 Named as the “Father of Symphony”  Came from the word “sonare”, which
 Works includes means to make sound
o Symphony no. 94 in G Major
(Surprise) 2. Sonata Allegro
o Symphony no. 101 in D Major  The most important form that developed
(The Clock) during the classical era
o Symphony no. 100 in G Major  Consist of distinct sections
(Military) o Exposition- first part that
2. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) introduced the theme
 The most amazing genius in musical o Development- 2nd part where the
history theme are being developed
 Learn to play violin and harpsichord at
the age of 5
 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