1. Neo-Classicism

2. Characteristics of Neo-Classicism
Neo-Classicism is called the ”Classical” style in music.
A rejection of excesses, the monarchy and ornamentation of Baroque.
A return to order, reason and clarity in art work.
Wanted to instill democratic ideas in the government.

3. Dance - Neo-Classicism
In Europe Classical ballet was still the theatrical dance of the aristocrats (wealthy)
American settlers brought dances from their homeland.
jigs, clogs and court dances like the minuet.
Our founding fathers entertained in the New Republic with fancy balls that included:
quadrilles, cotillions, reels and jigs.

4. Drama/Theatre - Neo-Classicism
Started in France in the mid 1600s.
The plot structure was important.
Ideas came from Ancient play scripts.
By 1600 most parts of Europe, used ancient ideas for theatre.
The “Three Unities” Theory:
unity of time
(24hrs)
unity of place
(1 place)
unity of action
(1 plot)

5. Satire Comic techniques to show foolish behavior of human beings.
French playwright Moliere ( )
Moliere’s plays are influenced by the physical comedy tradition of Commedia.
Use of “stock” characters
Examples:
Tartuffe
The Doctor in Spite of Himself

6. Literature Jonathan Swift (1667-17450 Gulliver’s Travels
Born in Ireland
known for his satirical writings
Gulliver’s Travels
A man who travels to other societies and learns about different cultures
Satire on English Govt.
A Modest Proposal
The overpopulation of poor children in Ireland.
Swift suggests eating the children

7. Music - Classical
The Classical time period was a time of development for the symphony.
As the middle class got more money they began to attend music events.
Music had to appeal to the upper and middle classes
Melodies were more simple and easier for the less-educated audience to understand.

8. symphonies Written for an orchestra. There are four movements:
Movement One - has a fast tempo
Movement Two: slower in tempo with a lyrical melody.
Movement Three: is a minuet.
The minuet was a popular dance of the day like a waltz
Movement Four: faster tempo and concludes the piece.
A complete symphony can take 30 minutes

9. Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) Born in Vienna, Austria
Wrote secular (non-religious) music.
Was famous while alive
Wrote 104 symphonies
“Farewell” Symphony, players leave the stage
“Surprise” Symphony, sudden loud chords (wake people up)
London Symphony Menuetto: Allegretto.
Symphony no. 104 in D Major .
Sounds seem to represent common landmarks in London, England.

10. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)
Born in Austria.
Musical genius.
Composing piano concertos by age 4, symphonies by age 6 and operas by age 11.
The most well know composer in Western music today.
Mozart reflected the ideas and philosophies of the Enlightenment
The Marriage of Figaro (opera), the servants are the heroes, reflect the growing influence in society of the middle class.
Simple melodies would reflect the hope of the human spirit.
Piano Concerto no. 22 in E-flat, Third Movement.

11. Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)
Born in Germany,
His fiery personality, troubled childhood and his deafness were reflected in his music.
His compositions expressed great sadness or great joy.
He wanted people to feel the height of joy or the depth of despair, because that is how he experienced life.
His music was autobiographical.
Symphony no. 5, First Movement
Beethoven Brainpop

12. Visual Art-Neo-Classical
Rejection from Baroque style and the excesses of the monarchy
Influenced from art of the Renaissance and Classical Greece and Rome.
Concern was for the middle class and ordinary life.
Subject matter focused on equality and ideals.
Artists and architects went to Italy and Greece to study Classical sculptures and buildings.
They used Classical features to express their ideas on reason, democracy, and patriotism,

13. Jacques-Louis David (1748-1825)
Born in France
Lived through the French Revolution
Traveled to Rome and made sketches of Classical Greek and Roman sculptures.
Painted The Oath of the Horatii, the first Neoclassical painting
French Rev propaganda
Propaganda- influence someone’s opinion
The Death of Marat and The Death of Socrates were propaganda.

14. The Oath of the Horatii, 1784

15. The Death of Marat, 1793

16. Napoleon in his study, 1812

17. Thomas Jefferson- 3rd President (1743-1826)
Jefferson was a “Renaissance man.”-politics farmer, inventor, and an architect.
Public buildings should reflect the ideals of our nation; democracy.
Admired the Renaissance, Classical Greek, and Roman architecture
liked the Maison Carree, and used it as inspiration for the design of the Virginia State Capitol.

18. Jefferson Architecture
Maison Carree- Paris, France
Virginia State Capitol

19. Inspired by classical roman architecture
Pantheon- Rome, Italy
University of Virginia Rotunda

20. Villa Rotunda Vicenza, Italy
Monticello, Virginia