Classical Music 1750-1820

What makes music Classical? Dominance of the orchestra Clear and logical shape Balanced; symmetrical Homophonic Heroic themes Element of surprise Mythology is “in” again Baroque improvisation and contrapuntal devices are “out”

If you went to a Classical concert, you might hear these musical GENRES: Concerto = 3 movement orchestral piece for solo and tutti Symphony = 4 movement orchestral piece using all instruments String Quartet = 4 movements, 2 violins, viola and cello Sonata = 3-4 movements an instrumental piece for one or two instruments (solo plus sometimes piano)

4 Movements of the Symphony (and String Quartets) FAST -- Allegro SLOW -- Adagio or Andante (“walking”) DANCE FORM – ¾ time ( minuet or scherzo) FAST – Allegro Classical audiences wanted predictable forms, to know what to expect

A A B A Coda Sonata-Allegro Form Refers to the form of just one movement, the first---at allegro tempo Exposition (the “A”), introduces two themes, one in the tonic, one in dominant. The exposition is performed twice ( A A ) Development (the “B”), fragments of the theme, dynamic tension Recapitulation (the “A” again), restating the themes, this time both in the tonic Coda, the “Big Bang” at the end A A B A Coda So what are tonic and dominant, again? Tonic = the 1st step The center tone of the piece Dominant = the 5th step For example, if the tonic is C, the dominant is G ---the building blocks of music

What about opera? Parts of an opera: Public opera houses flourish; opera is for the common man as well as for nobility (Volksoper vs Staatoper) Public opera often is lighter, “comique” Echoing rationalist sensibilities, action moves through conflicts and misunderstandings to an inevitable happy ending; each individual has the power to help create a “good”, noble world Structure is symmetrical, alternating recitative and aria Parts of an opera: Overture—the instrumental opening Aria—the solo song Recitative—the sung narrative Libretto—the text

Joseph Haydn 1732-1809 “Father” of both the symphony and string quartets Wrote the first modern symphony in 1759; composed 104 symphonies in total Also wrote string quartets, oratorios, cantatas Prince Esterhazy (Hungarian) was main patron Created chamber quartets to keep up with popularity of sheet music and playing at home Incorporated element of surprise in most symphonies: Clock (101), Drum Roll (103) Surprise (94) Affected by Sturm und Drang---urgency, strong emotions, sudden intense changes Created 2 famous oratorios at end of life: The Seasons and Creation At end of life, put under house arrest by Napoleon

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart 1756-91 Child prodigy; tours Europe by age 6 From Austria (Catholic, monarchy); plays for royalty but later supports himself, finding his own patrons and customers Writes first opera at 13 Lives in Vienna, “Land of the piano” Is extremely fun-loving and irreverent Writes 41 symphonies, 20+ piano concertos, string quartets Invents string quintets, adding one more viola Wrote several operas: Idomeneo is first, serious opera based on Greek myth. Don Giovanni is both comic and serious. Magic Flute uses symbols of the free masons; made for the public opera house Wrote his own requiem (funeral mass) at end of life

Ludwig van Beethoven 1770-1827 Child prodigy, as well, but not quite as gifted as Mozart Went to Vienna to study and compose Never married but fell in love frequently Cranky and surly; looses hearing by age 32 Writes Heiligenstadt document to end his career Fond of minor tones to fit his mood Wrote 32 piano sonatas and 9 symphonies Wrote one opera, Fidelio, suggesting political oppression, justice, freedom, loyalty in marriage Famous symphonies: 3rd (Eroica), 5th (in C minor dadadada...), 6th (Pastoral), 9th (Chorale, “Ode to Joy”, 5 movements, based on a poem by Schiller)