Classical Time Period
The ending date of 1820 is an approximation. Some scholars end it earlier, some later. With the help of Beethoven, the Classical period evolved right into the Romantic Period. Subjects of music were real people or natural scenes.
What was going on in the world? Many changes were occurring around the world. A lot of fighting went on during this time. French and Indian War; American and French Revolution Industrial Revolution was occurring New political ideas Famous people in the Classical Era: Thomas Jefferson, Eli Whitney, Napoleon Bonaparte, Jane Austen
How was music supported? Music was still important in the church and many musicians were employed through the church. Wealthy patrons also hired composers and musicians to perform in their homes and at parties. New to this time period was the availability of PUBLIC concerts to anyone who wanted to go.
TUESDAY
The Symphony New to the Classical period was the development of the symphony. The word symphony actually means “Sounding Together” This new type of work brought many instruments together for the first time. String, woodwind and brass were all used as well as some percussion instruments like timpani.
A Classical symphony usually had three movements. The first movement was a fast tempo. The second movement was a slow tempo. The final movement was again a fast tempo.
Franz Joseph Haydn Austrian Influenced both Mozart and Beethoven Known as the Father of the Symphony Best known for writing over 100 symphonies Worked for Prince Esterhazy and wrote the “Surprise Symphony” Haydn- Symphony #104
Wednesday
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Austrian Child Prodigy Wrote music for all genres including opera, concertos, symphonies, and choral music. Mozart composed “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” Lived from Mozart Symphony #40
More About Mozart Despite being one of the best known composers of all time, Mozart was unknown in his life and died penniless. He could not get along with his employers and keep a job. Even with all his talent, his temper and immaturity kept him from being successful.
Ludwig van Beethoven German His major instrument was the piano. Bridged the gap between the Classical and Romantic Time Periods. He was very modern in his thinking. “Moonlight Sonata” and “Fur Elise” are two of his most famous pieces. Beethoven- Symphony #5
Better Beethoven Most people know about Beethoven because he overcame a major disability to compose music. He had a condition where his eardrums grew together, causing him to be completely deaf by the end of his career. Despite his condition, he continued to compose and conduct.
Thursday Vienna: The center of the musical world during this time was Vienna, Austria. Composers from Germany, England, Russia and Italy would travel to Austria to study from one another. It was the “New York City” of today’s time.
In the music world… Music was available to people, but was still expensive and mostly obtained by the rich. Major instruments available during this time would be: flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, trumpet, horn, violin, cello and harp
Music Education Music would not be taught in schools, in fact, many people didn’t attend schools during this time. Music was taught to wealthy students who could afford to have a musician live in their house or it was passed down through generations from parent to child.