Music Appreciation Unit 1 Classical Music Music Appreciation Unit 1

Classical Music Can be broken down into three different eras: Baroque Era (c. 1600-1750) Classical Era (c. 1750-1830) Romantic Era (c.1830-1920) Each of these three eras brought in new ideas of music that helps influence the music of today.

Baroque Era (c. 1600-1750) Laid the foundations of music for the next 300 years of musical expression. New forms were created: Modern Orchestra Opera Concerto Sonata Modern Cantata

Baroque Era (c. 1600-1750) New Instruments: New String Family Violin Viola Cello Invention of the Harpsichord

Baroque Era (c. 1600-1750) Vocal/Choral music no longer dominated. More and more composers began writing instrumental music for ensembles of increasing variety, therefor, bringing “classical” music into the fabric of everyday society. It was played outdoors at dinner parties, at special functions, or in the form of operas. Every wealthy lady would have a spinet (small harpschord) to play, and large, rich households would hire musicians to play at dinner time.

Baroque Era Composer Johann Sebastian Bach c. 1685-1750 Came from a very musical family Spent the earliest part of his career as an organist for the Grand Duke of Wiemar, then moved to Cöthen to work for Prince Leopold, and then moved to Leipzig for his final job as Cantor at the Choir School of St. Thomas. He wrote a very large amount of choral music, along with organ music, chamber music, orchestral music, and Concertos.

Listening List Magnificat in D Major, BWV 243; Baroque; J.S. Bach Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 in G Major, BWV 1048; Baroque; J.S. Bach Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major, BWV 1007; Baroque; J.S. Bach Harpsichord Concerto No. 1 in D Minor, BWV 1052; Baroque; J.S. Bach

Classical Era (c. 1750-1830) Introduced a new form that has dominated instrumental composition to present day: Sonata Form It also brought along: Modern Concerto Symphony Sonata Trio and Quartet

Classical Era Composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart c. 1756-1791 Came from a very musical family and was taught music at a very young age. Would perform piano compositions for the the upper class as a child. Composed operas, church music, choral music, orchestral music, piano music and organ music. Died at the age of 35 from illness while writing his infamous Requiem.

Classical Era Composer Ludwig van Beethoven c. 1770-1827 He first established himself as a performer, not a composer. Studied under Joseph Haydn. Went on to composer 9 symphonies, 5 piano concertos, 1 violin concerto, 32 piano sonatas, 16 string quartets, and multiple other musical compositions.

Listening List 12 Variations on “Ah, vous dirai-je, Maman”, K. 265; Classical; Mozart Requiem in D Minor, K. 626; Classical; Mozart Symphony No. 5, Op. 67 (Mvt. 1); Classical; Beethoven Symphony No. 9, Op 125 (Mvt. 4, Ode To Joy); Classical; Beethoven (12:40)

Romantic Era (c. 1830-1920) Split into two smaller eras: Early Romantic (c. 1830-1860) Late Romantic (c. 1860-1920) The Romantic Era was the golden age of the virtuoso (highly skilled performer), where the most difficult of music would be performed with ease, and musical themes would be composed at great length for an adoring audience.

Early Romantic Era (c. 1830-1860) As the Classical era was reaching its ending point, it was becoming clear that the amount and intensity of expression in the music was becoming more than what most orchestras or instruments at the time could handle. Composers of the Romantic Era attempted to balance this out. New music schools were beginning to open up throughout the world. The search for originality and individuality in expression of emotion is what set this era apart from the rest.

Early Romantic Era (c. 1830-1860) Emotion within music was becoming more important within music of this era. Most of the music of this era had to come with a “programme” or storyline attached to it so that the audience could feel the emotions and scenery that the composer was trying to convey. Some examples of visual representation in the music are rivers and galloping horses.

Late Romantic Era (c. 1860-1920) Composers of this era tended to let their emotions inspire and create their compositions rather than using the traditional methods and rules for composition. This era was highlighted with the rapid appearance of national schools and the operatic supremacy of Verdi and Wagner.

Romantic Era Composer Johannes Brahms (c. 1833-1897) Born in Hamburg, Germany Caught the attention of composer Robert Schumann, and became good friends with him and his wife, Clara. Eventually settled in Vienna, where he was perceived as being the awaited successor to Beethoven. He blended classical and romantic era styles into one, and his arrangements of Hungarian Dances completed an entire orchestral work without having to have a solo instrument.

Romantic Era Composer: Antonin Dvorak c. 1841-1904 Czech composer Most known for his New World Symphony Richard Wagner 1813-1883 German composer, theatre director, and conductor who is mostly known for his operas. On of his most well-known orchestral compositions is Elsa’s Procession To The Cathedral.

Listening List Hungarian Dance Op. 196, No. 5; Romantic; Brahms Four Serious Songs (Mvt. 1), Op. 121; Romantic; Brahms New World Symphony (Mvt. 4); Romantic; Dvorak Elsa’s Procession To The Cathedral; Romantic; Wagner