1. Classical period (1750-1820) Characteristics of music in this period:
Graceful, detailed elaboration
Light, flowing melodies
Short, simple phrases
Use of dance rhythms
Variety and contrast were used
Increased use of crescendo, decrescendo & sforzando
Crescendo – gradually louder
Decrescendo – gradually softer
Sforzando – sudden, strong accent
Frequent changes in mood

2. Franz Joseph Haydn
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3. Franz Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) Born in Austria
Joined church choir at age 8
Learned to play the violin and keyboard instruments
Friend/mentor of Mozart
Taught Beethoven
His most original ideas were in his string quartets and symphonies (definition – a large composition for orchestra, usually in 3 or 4 movements)

4. Haydn’s Music
His symphonies & string quartets followed the pattern of the Classical era – the 1st & 4th mvmts. are fast, the 2nd is slow, and the 3rd is a minuet (a dance in 3,4 time)
String Quartets were designed for amateur musicians
His string quartets were considered “chamber music”
Def. – “Ensemble instrumental music for up to about ten performers with typically one performer to a part” 4

5. Haydn’s Music
String Quartet Opus 76, No. 3 is nicknamed “Emperor” because in the second movement, Haydn quotes the melody from his anthem, “God Save Emperor Francis.”
The same melody is used for the German national anthem.
1st movement -
2nd movement -
German nat’l anthem -
German anthem is the same melody, accept played faster. 5

6. Haydn’s music Called the “Father of the Symphony”
Possibly wrote 106 symphonies
The 12 symphonies he wrote while visiting London were his greatest achievement in orchestral music. Some of them are known by nicknames – “Clock,” “Surprise,” “Drum Roll,” “Miracle,” “Farewell”