The classical period 1750- 1820

Characteristics of classical music Contrast in Mood Rhythm- A classical composition has a variety of rhythmic patterns. It has a pauses, syncopations, and frequent changes from longer notes to shorter notes.

Characteristics of Classical music Texture- Classical music is mostly homophonic. However, the texture can shift instantly just like the rhythm. Homophonic – one main melody is accompanied by chords.

Characteristics of Classical music Melody –Classical melodies are very tuneful and easy to remember. Sometimes they are borrowed popular tunes. They are very balanced and symmetrical. Ex. Ah, vous dirai-je, Maman

Characteristics of classical music Dynamics and the Piano – Classical composers used gradual dynamics to express shades of emotions. Crescendo – gradually get louder. Decrescendo – gradually get softer. The Piano – The desire for gradual dynamic change led to the replacement of the harpsichord and other keyboard instruments with the fortepiano- the eighteenth century of the piano.

Characteristics of Classical Music The End of the Basso Continuo – The basso continuo was abandoned during the classical period. The harpsichordist would no longer need to improvise because composers wanted more control. They did not want to trust the judgment of the improvisers.

The Classical Orchestra The new orchestra evolved into a bigger group. In the baroque period, the number would vary from piece to piece. However, during the classical period it became more standard: Strings: 1st,2nd violins, violas, cellos, double basses Woodwinds: 2 flutes, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons Brass: 2 french horns, 2 trumpets Percussion: 2 timpani

Classical Forms Musical form – the organization of musical ideas. Instrumental compositions often were in four movement forms: 1. Fast movement 2. Slow movement 3. Dance-related movement 4. Fast movement

Classical Forms Symphony – a piece written for orchestra String quartet – a piece written for 2 violins, viola and cello Sonata - a piece for one or two instruments

Sonata form Sonata form – refers to the form of a single movement, consisting of three main sections. Exposition – First section of a sonata- form, where the first and second theme (or group of themes) are “exposed.” Development – Second section of a sonata-form, where the themes from the exposition are “developed.”

Sonata forms Recapitulation – the third section in sonata-form, where there is a “recap” of the themes heard in the exposition except this time it ends in the tonic key. Coda – In a sonata-form, it is a concluding section following the recapitulation. Literally translated means, “the tail.”

Joseph Haydn Franz Joseph Haydn (31 March 1732 – 31 May 1809), was an Austrian composer, one of the most prolific and prominent composers of the Classical period. He is often called the "Father of the Symphony" and "Father of the String Quartet" because of his important contributions to these forms. He was also instrumental in the development of the piano trio and in the evolution of sonata form.

A lifelong resident of Austria, Haydn spent much of his career as a court musician for a wealthy family on their remote estate. Isolated from other composers and trends in music until the later part of his long life, he was, as he put it, "forced to become original". At the time of his death, he was one of the most celebrated composers in Europe.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (27 January 1756 – 5 December 1791), was a prolific and influential composer of the Classica era. He composed over 600 works, many acknowledged as pinnacles of symphonic, concertante, chamber, piano, operatic, and choral music. He wrote his first piece when he was an 8 yr. old boy. He was a child prodigy.

Ludwig Van Beethoven Ludwig van Beethoven (baptized 17 December 1770 – 26 March 1827) was a German composer and pianist. A crucial figure in the transition between the Classical and Romantic eras in Western art music, he remains one of the most famous and influential composers of all time.Born in Bonn, Beethoven moved to Vienna in his early 20s, studying with Joseph Haydn and quickly gaining a reputation as a virtuoso pianist. His hearing began to deteriorate in the late 1790s, yet he continued to compose, conduct, and perform, even after becoming completely deaf.