1. Classical Period 1750-1825

2. Classical Timeline

3. Classical Period Era is referred to as Balanced, Symmetrical, & Traditional with clarity Piano is the most important keyboard instrument 2 outstanding choral composers of the Classical Era: Mozart, Haydn Singers and instrumentalists used continuous tonality as a special effect

4. 6 Features of Baroque Music vs. Classical Period Music 1. terraced dynamics------------gradual changes in dynamics 2. unity of mood------------------mood may change throughout a movement 3. continuous melody------------melody will change throughout (theme 1 and 2 are different) 4. continuous and driving rhythm----rhythms are not predictable or repetitive

5. 6 Features of Baroque Music vs. Classical Period Music 5. chords and the basso continuo----NO MORE BASSO CONTINUO 6. polyphonic texture---------homophonic texture (polyphonic is reserved for development)

6. Chronology of the Classical Era 1750- Classical Era begins 1751- First volumes of “Poor Richard’s Almanac” are published by Benjamin Franklin 1754 Samuel Johnson publishes a dictionary 1756- French and Indian Wars begin 1756- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is born in Salzburg on January 27th

7. Chronology of the Classical Era 1761- Franz Joseph Haydn is hired by Prince Paul Esterhazy 1763- Excavations begin at Pompei 1769-The steam engine is patented by American James Watt 1770-Mozart receives the Order of the Golden Spur from the Pope 1774- The first Continental Congress assembles in Philadelphia

8. Chronology of the Classical Era 1776- The Declaration of Independence is signed 1780- Empress Maria Theresa of Austria dies and her son, Joseph II, becomes ruler 1788- American John Finch invents the steamboat 1789- George Washington becomes the first president of the United States

9. Chronology of the Classical Era 1791- Mozart dies on December 5 th 1798- Haydn writes “The Creation” and “The Imperial Mass” 1803- The Louisiana Purchase 1804- Napoleon is crowned Emperor of France 1804- Lewis & Clark expedition of the western United States

10. Chronology of the Classical Era 1815- The metronome is invented 1819- Florida is purchased from Spain

11. Happening in America during the Classical Era Francis Hopkinson was born in Philadelphia in 1737 and wrote the first America Secular Song, “My Days Have Been So Wondrous Free” William Billings was born in 1746 Benjamin Franklin invented the glass harmonica George Mueller, who came to America in 1784, was the first major Moravian composer of sacred music

12. Happenings in America during the Classical Era Francis Hopkinson was considered an outstanding American composer and harpsichordist. He also signed the Declaration of Independence Moravians believed that all hymns should be translated into a Native American language

13. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

14. Born in 1756 Was 1 of 7 children (all died within 3 weeks of birth except him and his sister, Maria Anna) He was the only son in his family who lived Father was director for Archbishop of Schrattenbach Started playing piano when he was 3

15. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart He was considered a child genius Age 14 he received the award of the “Golden Spur” from the pope Was concertized with his sister Maria Anna (nicknamed Nannerl) He married Maria Constanze Weber They had 6 children together

16. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Spent a third of his life touring Europe “Don Giovanni” and “The Magic Flute” were two of Mozart’s most important operas “The Requiem” was Mozart’s unfinished composition when he died His student Sussmayr Mozart died in the year 1791

17. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Famous Compositions include: “Cosi fan tutte” “Don Giovanni” “La clemenze di Tito” “Requiem” “The Magic Flute”

18. Franz Joseph Haydn

19. Born in 1732 in Austria Haydn’s father was a wheelwright At 8 Haydn became a choirboy at the Cathedral of St. Stephen’s Younger brother Michael sang in choir with Haydn Had 0 children with wife Maria

20. Franz Joseph Haydn Haydn was employed by Prince Paul Esterhazy 1762 Prince Nicholas Esterhazy ascends to the throne and is a huge supporter of Haydn’s music Esterhazy family lived most of the year in Eisenstadt, Germany (their country place)

21. Franz Joseph Haydn The two most famous Oratorios by Handel are: “The Creation” “The Seasons” Haydn’s nickname is “Father of the Symphony” Haydn died at the age of 77

22. Franz Joseph Haydn Famous Compositions “The Creation” “Harmoniemesse” “Heiligmesse” “Nelsonmesse” (Lord Nelson Mass) “The Seasons” “Paukenmesse”