Classical Music HIGHER

In today’s Lesson… Learn about the Classical era. Listen to some music from the classical period. Discover famous classical composers.

The Classical Era This term refers to music composed during the period 1750 to 1810 (approximately.) The Piano (Piano Forte) was invented to give more dynamic contrasts, as it was able to play both loud and soft, unlike the harpsichord. The orchestra begins to grow. 2 Clarinets and 2 trumpets were also added to the early classical orchestra.

Early Classical Orchestra

Classical Composers Three main composers of the classical era: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) Ludwig Van Beethoven (1770-1827)

Why couldn’t Mozart and Beethoven find what they were looking for? Because it was haydn

Characteristics A less complicated texture than had been evident in Baroque times (less Polyphonic) More use of expression through Dynamics. Greater Dynamic contrast were evident An elegant character Clear use of phrasing Clear use of cadences Changing themes and emotions within one piece of music Harmony changes were slower, less frequent unlike Baroque music which often changed chords 2 or 3 times per bar The replacement of the Harpsichord with the Piano Less use of Continuo The use of Alberti Bass in Piano music

Mozart Piano Concerto In the classical period, many composer began to write concertos for solo instruments only. (It was less likely for a concerto grosso to be composed.) Listen to Mozart’s Piano Concerto No.23 in A Major. Tick three concepts that you can hear. Alberti Bass Harpsichord Polyphonic Ground Bass Aria Repetition

Listen and try to identify the following: Cadenza A Cadenza is a solo passage at the end of a movement which give the performer the chance to show off. In classical era many of these cadenza’s were improvised. The Cadenza ends with a long Trill to signal to the rest of the orchestra its time to play again. Listen to the Cadenza from Mozart's Piano Concerto No.23 (start at 9mins) Listen and try to identify the following: Chromatic Scale Broken Diminished Chord Broken Chords Dominant 7th Arpeggio Arpeggios Major – Minor Tonality Cadenza begins 8’27

Mozart Piano Concerto No.23 Long trill signals end of cadenza passage to orchestra. Chromatic Scale before a perfect cadence. E Major 7th arpeggio

Write down as many concepts as you can… Theme & Variation Watch Mozart’s “Theme and Variation” on Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. Write down as many concepts as you can…

Symphony A Symphony is a large work for orchestra, usually in four movements. In the classical period the movements were normally fast, slow, minuet and trio, fast. Listen to the Fourth Movement Finale- vivace from Haydn's Symphony No. 101 in D Major The movement is in Rondo Form This means that it follows the structure ABACADA The A section constantly returns between each new section. Listen for the A section returning after each new section.

Symphony No. 101 The A section is only 8 bars in length. Followed by the B section which extends over 20 bars and has a more open feel. The two section are repeated before an Episode (in D minor) links the A section into the new C section of the movement in D Major An Episode is a passage of music linking two musical themes, such as in Rondo Form

Concepts in today’s Lesson Concerto- A work for solo instrument and orchestra. Cadenza- A passage of music which allows soloists to display their technical ability in singing or playing an instrument. Broken Chord- In a broken chord, the notes of a chord are played separately. Arpeggio- Notes of a chord played one after the other. Theme and Variation- The structure of a piece where the melody is heard (the theme), then returns several times with variations. Contrary Motion- Two parts which move in opposite directions, eg as one part ascends the other part descends. Alberti Bass- Broken chords played by the left hand outlining harmonies whilst the right hand plays the melody. Symphony- A large work for orchestra, usually in four movements. Rondo- A form where the first section (A) keeps returning, in between different sections – B, C etc.

Lets recap... What dates does the classical period refer to? Name two famous classical composers. What is a Cadenza? Explain the Structure of Rondo Form? Complete the following sentence. A/An is a passage of music which links two musical ideas/sections together.

A string quartet is most commonly in four movements; Fast Slow Chamber Music is music written for a small instrumental ensemble with one player to a part. A String Quartet was one of the most popular chamber groups. In the classical period this was made up of two violins, a viola and a cello. A string quartet is most commonly in four movements; Fast Slow 3.Minuet and Trio 4.Fast Listen to the Haydn’s String Quartet Op.76 No.3 “Emperor”

Sonata Form Sonata form describes the structure of the first movement of many sonatas, symphonies, concertos and often overtures. It falls into three sections: exposition, development and recapitulation. The exposition introduces two contrasting themes in related keys. These themes are known as the subjects.

Beethoven 5th Symphony in C minoR The first movement of this symphony is Sonata Form. This symphony was completed in 1808. The first Subject theme starts with two dramatic fortissimo phrases. Following the first four bars, Beethoven uses imitations and sequences to expand the theme. This second subject is in E flat major, the relative major, and it is more lyrical and features the four-note motif in the string accompaniment.

Concepts in today’s lesson Chamber Music-Music written for a small instrumental ensemble with one player to a part. String Quartet-A chamber music ensemble consisting of first and second violins, viola, and cello. The string quartet is one of the most prominent chamber ensembles in classical music. Sonata Form- Sonata form is sometimes known as first movement form. This term is used to describe the structure of the first movement of many sonatas, symphonies and often overtures. It falls into three sections: exposition, development and recapitulation. The exposition introduces two contrasting themes in related keys. Subject- The main theme in a composition, the main themes in sonata form, or the main theme on which a fugue is based.

Activity – Recap Fill in the missing words. A is a sacred choral work. It most commonly has 5 sections. These include; Kyrie, , , Santus & Benedictus and agnus dei. You can also find a/an and Chorus in this work.

Classical Vocal Music Fill in the missing words: A/An is a secular drama set to music, with soloists, acting and orchestral accompaniment. A solo song from an opera is called an/a . A group of people singing is known as a

Watch The Queen of the Night’s Aria from Mozart’s The Magic Flute The aria features a Coloratura. This is a style of singing which is high, florid, vocal singing involving scales, runs and ornaments. Watch The Queen of the Night’s Aria from Mozart’s The Magic Flute

Classical period A Sonata is a work for solo piano, or a solo instrument accompanied by piano, in three or four movements. (E.g. Flute Sonata = Flute + Piano) Listen to Beethoven’s Piano Sonata no.14 which is sometimes referred to as the “Moonlight Sonata” (1801) Try to write down as many concepts as you can hear. What is rhythmic feature of this 1st movement?

Concepts in Today’s Lesson Opera- A drama set to music, with soloists, chorus acting and orchestral accompaniment. Aria- A song in an opera or oratorio with orchestral accompaniment. Chorus-Chorus – (i) A group of singers with several people to each part. (ii) The music written for these singers. Mass- Mass – A large sacred work containing very specific movements – Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus, Benedictus and Agnus Dei. Coloratura- Term for high, florid, vocal singing involving scales, runs and ornaments Sonata- a work for solo piano, or a solo instrument accompanied by piano, in three or four movements.

Piano Trio (AH) A piano trio is a chamber music ensemble comprising of three instruments; the most common form  comprises of a piano, violin and cello.  The form, which developed throughout the classical period, initially had a 3 movement structure. A fast movement, a slow movement and a final fast movement. This is the same overall structure as both a sonata and a concerto of that period.  Other combinations of instruments can be found, but this is less common that the typical piano, violin and cello grouping. Schubert:Piano Trio in E flat Major

CHORALE Jesu, meine Freude A German hymn tune. Written in four parts for soprano, contralto (alto), tenor and bass Some of these chorales were used by Bach in his oratorios and cantatas. Usually homophonic in texture. Jesu, meine Freude