THE CLASSICAL ERA 1750-1820

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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