1. Elements of Classical Period

2. Elements Transition to classical period: 1730-1770 (pre-classical period) Shift to more homophonic textures. Pioneers in pre-classical: Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach (1714-1788) and Johann Christian Bach (1735-1782) Concentration on simplicity and clarity; more simple melodies and simpler harmonies

3. Elements Master composers: Joseph Haydn (1732-1809), Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) and Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)

4. Contrast of Mood Great variety and contrast; changes can happen gradually or suddenly Changes can happen within a movement or a single theme.

5. Rhythm/Texture Lots of flexibility; unexpected pauses and syncopated rhythms Frequent changes from long notes to short notes Homophonic texture; texture as flexible as rhythm. May begin homophonic and move to a complex polyphonic texture

6. Melody Tuneful and easy to remember; even the more sophisticated compositions Composers borrowed from popular music (Mozart-” Ah Vous Dirai-je Maman”) Melodies are balanced and symmetrical: made of two phrases of the same length. Second phrase like the first, but usually ends differently (a-a’). Happens in nursery tunes (mary had a little lamb). Baroque melodies are more difficult and less symmetrical

7. Dynamics/Piano Used of more gradual dynamic change;didn’t restrict themselves to terraced dynamics This led to the replacement of the harpsichord with the piano (1775) Volume varied on piano by how hard or soft one pushed the keys Piano invented around 1700; late 18th century piano called fortepiano. Weighed much less than modern piano; thinner strings held by frame of wood instead of metal. Shorter range

8. End of Basso Continuo Gradually abandoned: no need to improvise accompaniment. More music written for ametaurs. Classical composers wanted more control of their music

9. Classical orchestra Became the standard group of four sections :Woodwind, Brass, Strings and percussion. No variation of orchestra based on piece of music Strings: 1st violins,2nd violins,violas,cellos,basses Woodwinds: 2 flutes, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets,2 bassoons Brass: 2 French Horns, 2 trumpets Percussion: 2 timpani

10. Classical orchestra Trombones used by haydn and mozart, but only in opera and church music Number of musicians was larger (up to 60 members Haydn led in performance) Individual tone colors were exploited; one instrument was not treated like another. Greater variety and more rapid changes in tone color

11. Classical Orchestra Each section has a role Strings: most important section, 1st violins have melody most of the time Woodwinds: contrasting tone color and given melodic solos Brass: power to loud passages, filled out harmony Timpani: rhythmic emphasis

12. Classical forms Instrumental compositions follow basic movement scenario Fast-Slow-Dance Related-Fast (classical symphony, string quartets) Each movement might have a different form (sonata, theme & variations, minuet,etc.. Various themes are introduced into each movement. Always have a sense of balance. Bt end of each movement, all musical tensions have been resolved.