1. THE CLASSICAL ERA

2. CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CLASSICAL STYLE
Contrast of Mood
Fluctuation of mood
May change gradually or suddenly

3. Rhythm Lots of flexibility Lots of rhythmic patterns
Unexpected pauses, syncopations, frequent change from long and short notes

4. Texture Basically homophonic
Shift smoothly or suddenly from one texture to the next

5. Melody Tuneful, easy to remember, less ornamented
Sound balanced and symmetrical, frequently made up of 2 phrases of equal length

6. Dynamics and the Piano Gradual dynamic changes
Crescendos and decrescendos
Piano replaces harpsichord around 1775

7. The end of Basso Continuo
Abandoned
More music written for amateurs (couldn’t read figured bass)
More composer control

8. The Classical Orchestra
New – standard 4 sections
Strings
Woodwinds
Brass
percussion
Larger group than Baroque (up to 60+)

9. Strings – most important
Woodwinds – contrasting tone colors, melodic solos
Brass – power, fill out harmony
Percussion (timpani) – driving rhythms

10. Classical Forms
Usually several movements contrasting in tempo and character
Often 4 movements:
Fast
Slow
Dance-related

11. Symphony – written for orchestra
String quartet – 2 violins, viol, cello
Sonata – 1 or 2 instruments
Chose many different forms for each movement: ABA, theme and variation, etc.
Themes – contrast vividly

12. HOMEWORK: Read pgs. 195-197, summarize the Classical Era
Compare and contrast the Baroque and Classical Eras based on notes taken so far.