1. THE CLASSICAL PERIOD

2. A. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
Period of rationalization/Age of reason
French Revolution: rise of lower and middle classes, decline of nobility.
Napoleonic wars.
American revolution.
American declaration of independence.
Invention of cotton, gin, and steamboat
A. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

3. Contrast of mood
Flexibility of rhythm
Use of homophonic texture
Use of tuneful and easiest to remember melodies
Balanced and symmetrical
Use of crescendo and decrescendo
B. THE CLASSICAL STYLE

4. Opera Seria – “serious opera” Opera Buffa – “comic opera”
VOCAL FORMS-OPERA

5. Sonata- composed mostly for the piano, or another instrument accompanied by the piano
Symphony- composed for the orchestra
Concerto- composed for a solo instrument accompanied by an orchestra
INSTRUMENTAL FORMS

6. 4. Chamber Music- written for a small group of instruments which traditionally could be accommodated in a palace chamber
String Quartet
Piano Trio
INSTRUMENTAL FORMS