The Classical Era Aims for today 1)To learn about the beginnings of the classical music era. 2)To complete past paper questions related to the classical era.

What came before? What do you remember?

Background At the end of the Baroque Era, new composers began emerging who wanted to build up the size of the orchestra and utilise newly invented instruments. For example, the pianoforte, the updated trumpet, flute, oboe etc.

The Classical Orchestra Much bigger New instruments Very clear style Made use of the pianoforte

The concerto The concerto is a style that continued from the Baroque era through to the Classical Era. Concerto grosso fell out of favour. There was only one type of concerto left.

The Solo Concerto 3 Sections known as movements. 1 st = Quite Fast 2 nd = Slow 3 rd = Fast Key composer = Mozart – 27 piano concerti, six for violin, four for French horn, three for flute, one each for oboe, clarinet and bassoon as well as duet concerti eg. Flute and harp.

The first movement Fast Sonata Form – three sections. Exposition – Development – Recapitulation Exposition often played twice. After recapitulation = cadenza

The second movement. Slow Ternary form or Theme and variations.

The third movement. Fast Rondo form A B A C A D A etc.

Classical Music Features. Alberti Bass A bassline typical of Mozart. Features notes of the chord in a particular order such as or low high middle high. Sequence A short phrase repeated at a higher or lower pitch.

Classical Opera The overture was developed as a key element of the opera at the beginning. It’s purpose is to give a taste of what is to come, sampling music from the main aria’s and chorus numbers from the opera. They were exciting and drew the audience in. watch a Mozart overturewatch a Mozart overture

Mozart and Opera Mozart was the true master of classical opera. Most male roles were created for baritone singers. Most famous aria is for coloratura - Watch the 'Queen of the night' aria from 'The Magic Flute' Watch the 'Queen of the night' aria from 'The Magic Flute'

Other Classical Vocal Music There are 2 other main types of classical vocal music. The Mass – sacred choral work – large scale – 5 sections. &feature=related &feature=related The Motet – sacred choral work – latin text

Classical Forms Minuet and Trio 3 beats in the bar. Usual structure – Minuet, trio, repeated minuet = ternary form. No repeats during second playing of minuet. Scherzo A Joke. Lighthearted and lively style dance Triple time – ternary form.