1. Classical Period

3. Did you notice something?
There was a difference between the ending date of the Classical period from the 1st slide to the 2nd slide.
Why do you think that there is discrepancy over when the Classical period ended?
Some place the end of the Classical Period at 1827 when Beethoven died.
I prefer 1820, because Beethoven’s later music transitioned to the next period.

4. Style of music from Classical period
Graceful, detailed elaboration
Light, flowing melodies
Short, simple phrases
Homophonic – melody over accompaniment moving together
Use of dance rhythms
Variety and contrast were used
Increased use of crescendo, decrescendo & sforzando
Frequent changes in mood 4

5. ( )
Ludwig van Beethoven

6. Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)
Born in Bonn, the capital of the electorate of Cologne (now part of Germany)
1789 – Might have briefly studied with Mozart
1789 – Mother died
1792 – Studied with Haydn
1795 – Public debut as pianist & composer in Vienna
1799 – Piano Sonata no “Pathetique” published
1814 – last public appearance as pianist
1827 – died in Vienna

7. Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)
Could play piano, organ and violin
His music is filled with assertiveness, aggression & passion
Considered a transitional composer between Classical & Romantic Periods
Life divided into 3 periods
Youth/early manhood ( )
Middle life ( ), wrote all forms of music & most famous works
Final period ( ), personal stresses led to small number of works he produced; what he wrote was serious & intimate 7

8. Beethoven’s hearing loss
1796 – aware that he was losing his hearing
1799 – quit attending social functions
1800 – aware that it was getting worse & he would likely go deaf
1802 – went through depression
Deaf before he turned 50.
Broke strings on his piano because he was pounding the keys trying to hear the sounds 8

9. Beethoven’s music
Wrote 9 symphonies, 5 piano concertos, 16 string quartets, 30 piano sonatas, 10 sonatas for violin, 5 sonatas for cello, 1 opera, 2 masses & lots of chamber music
Sonata – a piece in several movements for small ensemble, soloist with accompaniment or solo keyboard
Wrote – “Pathetique” Sonata, “Moonlight” Sonata, Minuet in G, Symphony No. 5 (with the famous beginning – “Duh, duh, duh, duh”)

10. Style of music from Classical period
Graceful, detailed elaboration
Light, flowing melodies
Short, simple phrases
Homophonic – melody over accompaniment moving together
Use of dance rhythms
Variety and contrast were used
Increased use of crescendo, decrescendo & sforzando
Frequent changes in mood