The Classical Era
(1750-1820)
Based on the ideals of Ancient Greece and
Rome, the Classical period stressed the
importance of symmetry and form in the
arts.
 In music, the elaborate ornamentation of
the Late Baroque period gave way to a
new simplicity and elegance. Emotional
content was still present, but it was never
allowed to obscure the clarity and formal
structure of the music.
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The Classical period has been called the
"Golden Age of Music" because it was at
this time that the major forms of Classical
music--the symphony, concerto, sonata,
and string quartet--were fully developed.
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The sonata is the most important musical
form of the Classical period: It influenced the
development of all areas of orchestral and
chamber music. Although the sonata was
used most often in the opening movements
of compositions, it is also found in slow
movements and finales.
The sonata is made of three sections: the
exposition, the development, and the
recapitulation. Like a story with a beginning,
middle, and end, the result is a musical piece
that is at once clearly symmetrical and
satisfyingly whole, but which conveys a sense
of growth as it unfolds.
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l45DA
uXYSIs
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Although the Classical Era lasted for only
70 years, there was a substantial change
in the music that was being produced.
Classical music placed a greater stress on
clarity with regard to melodic expression
and instrumental color.
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The early 1700s reflected a musical style
known as Rococo. This style served as a
transition from the Baroque to the Classical
Era. Rococo, which developed in France, is
actually an art term that described a new art
style which was both a light and embellished.
Rococo developed first in the decorative arts
and interior design. Louis XIV's succession
brought a change in the court artists and
general artistic fashion. By the end of the
king's long reign, rich Baroque designs were
giving way to lighter elements with more
curves and natural patterns.
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Though Rococo originated in the purely
decorative arts, the style showed clearly in
painting. These painters used delicate colors
and curving forms, decorating their canvases
with cherubs and myths of love. Portraiture
was also popular among Rococo painters.
Some works show a sort of naughtiness or
impurity in the behavior of their subjects,
showing the historical trend of departing
away from the Baroque's church/state
orientation.