Music History An Abbreviated History of Western Classical Music An Abbreviated History of Western Classical Music

The Classical Period  Refined  Structured  Emotionally restrained  Refined  Structured  Emotionally restrained The music of Classical Period is frequently described as:

The Classical Period Because Vienna became the cultural center of Europe during this time period, it is sometimes referred to as the Viennese Classical Period.

The Classical Period  Rise of the lower and middle classes  American Revolution (July 4, 1776)  French Revolution (July 14, 1789)  Napoleonic Wars (1792 – 1815)  More time for leisure activities, including going to concerts (paid admission)  Rise of the lower and middle classes  American Revolution (July 4, 1776)  French Revolution (July 14, 1789)  Napoleonic Wars (1792 – 1815)  More time for leisure activities, including going to concerts (paid admission)

The Classical Period Advances in Science: Eli Whitney (cotton gin) James Watt (metric unit of electrical power, coined the term “horsepower”)

Musical Characteristics  Clarity of form  Simplicity in harmony  Greater use of written dynamics  Tremendous growth in the development of opera  Development of the symphony orchestra  “Absolute music”  Clarity of form  Simplicity in harmony  Greater use of written dynamics  Tremendous growth in the development of opera  Development of the symphony orchestra  “Absolute music”

Symphony Orchestra  Strings: first violins, second violins, viola, ‘cello, double bass  Woodwinds: flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon  Brass: trumpet, French horn, trombone, tuba  Percussion: snare drum, bass drum, timpani, cymbals  NOTE: no continuo (keyboard)  Strings: first violins, second violins, viola, ‘cello, double bass  Woodwinds: flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon  Brass: trumpet, French horn, trombone, tuba  Percussion: snare drum, bass drum, timpani, cymbals  NOTE: no continuo (keyboard)

Piano replaces harpsichord and organ as the most important solo keyboard instrument

Replica of 1790’s Forte Piano

Forte Piano

Instrumental Musical Forms  Sonata Form I.Allegro II.Adagio III. Minuet IV. Allegro  Sonata Form I.Allegro II.Adagio III. Minuet IV. Allegro

Types of Sonatas  Solo Sonata: Solo keyboard, or solo instrument with piano accompaniment  Symphony: a sonata for full symphony orchestra  Concerto: a sonata for a solo instrument with full orchestra  Solo Sonata: Solo keyboard, or solo instrument with piano accompaniment  Symphony: a sonata for full symphony orchestra  Concerto: a sonata for a solo instrument with full orchestra

Sonata Allegro Form  Introduction  Exposition  Development  Recapitulation  Coda  Introduction  Exposition  Development  Recapitulation  Coda

Franz Joseph Haydn

Musical Example Symphony No. 94 in G (“Surprise”) by F.J. Haydn Symphony No. 94 in G (“Surprise”) by F.J. Haydn Second Movement - Andante

Musical Example Symphony No. 101 in D (“Clock”) by F.J. Haydn Symphony No. 101 in D (“Clock”) by F.J. Haydn Second Movement - Andante

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Musical Example Symphony No. 41 in C K.550 (“Jupiter”) by W.A. Mozart Symphony No. 41 in C K.550 (“Jupiter”) by W.A. Mozart First Movement – Allegro Vivace Sonata Allegro Form

Ludwig van Beethoven

Musical Example Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op.67 by L.V. Beethoven Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op.67 by L.V. Beethoven First Movement – Allegro con Brio uses short “motif” as main theme

The End