Music in History!
4. The Classical Era
What are the dates of the Classical Era? 1750 - 1825
Why is it called the Classical Era?
Return to ancient Greek ideas – classic.
General characteristics of the Classical era: Middle class was growing, they lived a healthier and
more sophisticated lifestyle, “order and balance” in art and life, musicians were still hired by
wealthy individuals
The PIANO was invented, as well as the METRONOME! It was developed in 1815 to help
musicians keep a steady tempo, and to give composers a standard tempo reference.
Beethoven was the first major composer to use metronome markings in his compositions
because he couldn’t hear his music live.
Music was composed with more dynamic contrast (ie.
   )  means forte
- loud
Example 1:
• Composer: Joseph Haydn
• Title: “Surprise Symphony (No. 94) ” (orchestra)
• Form: Sonata Allegro
• Other famous works: The Creation (oratorio about Genesis)
• Interesting facts: Haydn was Mozart’s friend and Beethoven’s teacher.
He composed 121 pieces of music, known as the “Father of Symphony”
and also for his great sense of humour!
Title of Piece: ______Surprise Symphony (No. 94)_______ Composer: ________Hadyn__________
Dynamics
Rhythm
Instrumentation
Mood
Is the music loud (forte), soft
(piano), or a combination?
Does the music move quickly,
slowly, or both? Is there a
repeated rhythmic pattern
throughout?
Do you hear strings, woodwinds,
brass, percussion, or a
combination? Do any
instruments have solos?
How does this music make you
feel? Happy, sad, angry, stormy,
peaceful, beautiful or something
else?
Music in History!
Example 2:
• Composer: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
• Title: “Symphony #40 in G minor” (orchestra)
• Form: Theme and Variations
• Other famous works: Eine Klein Nachtmusik, Alla Turca (Turkish Rondo), Minuets, Sonata in C
Major (variation on Twinkle, Twinkle)
• Interesting facts: He wrote music from age of 5, was a master at piano and violin, Mozart
composed over 600 pieces of music, he died very poor
Youtube: Symphony #40 in G minor: Music animation
a) What colour is represented by the strings section? green
b) Pick out another colour in the video and guess which instrument it represents.
Colour:
Instrument:
Example 3:
• Composer: Ludwig van Beethoven
• Title: “5th Symphony”
• Form: Sonata Allegro
• Other famous works: Fur Elise, Ninth Symphony (Ode to Joy), Moonlight
Sonata
• Interesting facts: Composer and pianist, became deaf and continued to
compose, composed about 200 pieces of music
“The mark of greatness is found when talent works alongside diligent effort in overcoming challenges.
Beethoven's work didn't cease with his deafness, and his pride didn't get in the way of his desire to bring
beauty to this world.”
Comparison between two famous composers
Beethoven
Mozart
Wrote for: kings
Wrote for: the common people
Music was: serious and loud
Music was: light and playful
Always: Edited his music.
Always: Wrote it down perfectly.
Piano example: Moonlight Sonata
Piano example: Eine Klein Nachtmusik