CLASSICAL MUSIC
1750-1820
1. CHARACTERISTICS
• Melody is composed by means of symmetric
and balanced musical phrases.
• Harmony becomes simple and regular.
• Rhythm is very defined and regular.
• Texture is mainly melody dominated
homophony.
• There are a greater range of dynamics and
articulations ( crescendos, diminuendos, …)
• Vienna became the musical capital of Europe.
2. INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
Instrumental music was more important than vocal
music during the Classical period. More and
more instruments were added to the orchestra,
including the flute, clarinet, oboe and bassoon.
WAS MORE IMPORTANT THAN
VOCAL MUSIC
Sonata form:
• In the first section, the exposition, the melodies are
exposed or introduced.
• The second section is called the development, and in this
section themes are altered and used however the
composer wishes.
• The third section, named the recapitulation, restates all
themes.
• Sometimes sonata form includes an introduction and a
coda.
2.1. INSTRUMENTAL FORMS
• Concerto. The soloist was featured as the rest of
the orchestra provided accompaniment.
Concertos were written for all instruments in the
classical orchestra.
• Symphony. The word symphony means
“sounding together”, and it applies to the full
orchestra all playing at the same time.
• Sonatas. Were written for one or two
instruments. Most sonatas were written for the
favorite instrument of the time, the piano.
CONCERTO
1º Mov. Concerto for piano nº 20 Mozart
SYMPHONY
SONATA
2º mov Symphony The surprise Haydn
Moonlight Sonata Beethoven
3. VOCAL MUSIC
3.1. SECULAR VOCAL MUSIC
Secular vocal music in the Classical period was
centered in opera. Two styles of opera
continued to be developed during this period:
opera seria and opera buffa but, opera buffa
became much more popular. In Germany the
comic operas was called singspiels.
Aria La Reina de la Noche de “La flauta Mágica”. Mozart. Singspiel.
3.2. RELIGIOUS VOCAL MUSIC
During the late 18th century, oratorios were
identical to operas. The Creation, of Haydn, is
one of the most important one. Masses
became operatic styled pieces of literature for
the orchestra, the solo voice and the chorus as
well.
“The Creation” Haydn
“ Mass of Requiem” Mozart