Classical Era

Classical Era Described as: Elegant, formal, and restrained. Instrumental music is more important than vocal music. Most important musical form of this era was the Symphony.

Classical Era SYMPHONY: Music for orchestra. Usually in four movements. SONATA: Music for one instrument. Usually in three movements. FORMS

Classical Era New form, combined symphony and sonata. Music for one soloist and orchestra. Usually in three movements. Includes cadenza, soloist gets to show off. CONCERTO

Classical Era STRINGS: Violin, viola, cello, bass WOODWINDS: Flute, oboe, clarinet BRASS: Horn, trumpet, trombone PERCUSSION: Drums, cymbals, timpani ORCHESTRA

Classical Era Piano now the most popular keyboard instrument. This instrument had a wide dynamic range. Now, composers began changing dynamics within section of music. KEYBOARDS

Classical Era Opera – staged singing, 2 to 3 hours, secular Oratorio – unstaged opera, biblical, for choir Cantata – small oratorio VOCAL FORMS

Classical Era Composers were employed or supported by aristocrats. The aristocrat was then considered a patron. Patron would commission compositions – ask for original compositions and pay for them. EMPLOYMENT

Classical Era Patronage gave composers a continuous source of income. Composers could produce many works this way. They could also be creative and original. PATRONAGE

Classical Era Many composers traveled to perform their music throughout Europe. This gave European a unified musical sound, regardless of which country you were in. SOUND

Classical Era 1.Light sound 2.Mostly homophonic 3.Clarity, simplicity 4.Clear-cut forms, outlines 5.Generally joyful, optimistic 6.Refined and stately character 7.Melodies shorter than Baroque 8.Mathematical and logical SOUND

Classical Era Franz Joseph Haydn - Father of the Symphony Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - Master of Classical, child prodigy. COMPOSERS

Classical Era Bridge Composers Bridge between Classical and Romantic Ludwig van Beethoven Franz Schubert COMPOSERS