QRTR2-NOTES IN MUSIC
TOPIC 1: MUSIC OF THE CLASSICAL PERIOD (1750-1820)
 The classical era, also called “Age of Reason”, is the period from 1750-1820. The
cultural life was dominated by the aristocracy, as patrons of musicians and artists
who generally influenced the arts. Significant changes in musical forms and styles
were made.
 The term “classical” denotes conformity with the principles and characteristics of
ancient Greece and Roman literature and art which were formal, elegant, simple,
freed and dignified.
 Harmony and texture are homophonic in general.
 The new style was also encouraged by changes in the economic order and social
structure. As the 18th century progressed, the nobility became the primary
patrons of instrumental music, while public taste increasingly preferred lighter,
funny comic operas
 Important historical events that occurred in the West during this era were the
French Revolution, the Napoleonic Wars, the American Declaration of
Independence in 1776, and the American Revolution.
ACTIVITY #1: FACT OR BLUFF?
Directions: Write FACT if the statement tells a historical context within
the classical period, and BLUFF if not.
1. ” EDSA Revolution was one of the important historical events that
occurred during this period. 2. The nobility became the primary patrons of instrumental music. 3. There was a change in economic order and social structure. 4. Cultural life was dominated by the church. 5. Classical era is called “Age of Reason. -
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QRTR2-NOTES IN MUSIC
TOPIC 2: CHARACTERISTICS OF MUSIC IN THE CLASSICAL PERIOD
 The term “classical” denotes conformity with the principles and characteristics of
ancient Greece and Roman literature and art which were FORMAL, ELEGANT,
SIMPLE, FREED and DIGNIFIED. The same characteristics may also describe the
melodies of classical music.
 The dynamics of loud and soft were clearly shown through the extensive use of
CRESCENDO AND DIMINUENDO.
 The rhythm is REGULAR BUT NOT MECHANIC, looking for making easier the
musical phrasing.
 A style of broken chord accompaniment called ALBERTI BASS was practiced
during this period.
ACTIVITY #2: FACT OR BLUFF?
Directions: Encircle the words that belong to the historical context of
classical period.
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QRTR2-NOTES IN MUSIC
TOPIC 3: COMPOSERS OF THE CLASSICAL PERIOD
WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART (Jan 27, 1756 – Dec 5,1791)

Child prodigy and the most AMAZING GENIUS IN MUSICAL HISTORY. He experimented in
all kinds of music and composed OVER 700 WORKS.
 He composed wonderful concertos, symphonies and opera.
 “Riches to Rags”
COMPOSITIONS:
 “The Marriage of Figaro”, “Don Giovanni”, and “The Magic Flute” which became
popular.
Other known works:
 “Eine Kleine Nachtmusik”, “Symphony No. 40 in G Major”, and “Sonata No. 11 in A
Major K311.”
FRANZ JOSEPH HAYDN (Mar 31, 1732 - May 31, 1809)


He is one of the most prominent composers of the classical period.
His life is described as a “rags-to-riches” story. He came from a poor family and his
music led to his rise in social status.
 He became an important figure in the development of the Classical style in music during
the 18th century.
 He was named, “FATHER OF THE SYMPHONY”
 His music is characterized as CALM, BALANCE, SERIOUS BUT WITH TOUCH OF HUMOR.
COMPOSITIONS:
 “Surprise Symphony”, “The Clock”, “The Military”.
LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN (Dec 16, 1770 - Mar 26, 1827)

He was the composer who bridged the late Classical era and the early Romantic era. He
was a talented pianist and composer.
 He began to go deaf in 1796 but this did not become a hindrance. He continued
composing through the help of an assistant and hearing gadget. Some of his famous
compositions were made when he was deaf.
COMPOSITIONS:
Famous symphonies are:
 Symphony No. 3 (Eroica), No. 5, No. 6 (Pastoral), No. 9 (Choral).
Other famous works:
 “Fur Elise”, Turkish March, Moonlight Sonata.
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ACTIVITY #3: LET’S LISTEN!
Directions: Listen carefully to the selected recordings of Classical
sonata. Analyze the music according to its elements and encircle your
answer in the given chart below.
Name:
Grade/Sec:
MUSIC
Sonata No.
16 in C
Major K545
3 rd
Movement
(Mozart)
Moonlight
Sonata 1st
Movement
(Beethoven)
Spring
Sonata Op.
24
(Beethoven)
Sonata in C
Major 1st
Movement
Sonata for
Bassoon and
Cello in Bflat Major K.
292 2nd
Movement
Date:
Class #
INSTRUMENT
USED
TEXTURE
DYNAMICS
TEMPO
Piano
Violin
Flute
Monophonic
Homophonic
Polyphonic
Mostly Soft
Mostly Loud
Fast Slow
Moderate
Cello
Piano
Trumpet
Monophonic
Homophonic
Polyphonic
Mostly Soft
Mostly Loud
Fast Slow
Moderate
Bassoon
Piano
Violin
Monophonic
Homophonic
Polyphonic
Mostly Soft
Mostly Loud
Fast Slow
Moderate
Bassoon
Cello
Piano
Monophonic
Homophonic
Polyphonic
Mostly Soft
Mostly Loud
Fast Slow
Moderate
Bassoon
Cello
Piano
Monophonic
Homophonic
Polyphonic
Mostly Soft
Mostly Loud
Fast Slow
Moderate
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QRTR2-NOTES IN MUSIC
TOPIC 4: VOCAL AND INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
Sonata:
 A multi-movement work for solo instrument.
 Sonata came from the word “Sonare” which means to make a sound. This term is applied to a
variety of works for a solo instrument such as keyboard or violin.
 Consist of three movements in a sonata.
Three movements in a Sonata:
 1st Movement: ALLEGRO: fast movement.
 2nd Movement: SLOW TEMPO: (Andante, Largo, etc.), mostly lyrical and emotional.
 3rd Movement: MINUET: It is in three-four time and in a moderate or fast tempo.
Sonata-Allegro Form:
 The term sonata allegro form refers to the form of a single movement.
 The most important form that developed during the classical era.
 A musical structure consisting of three main sections: an exposition, a development, and a
recapitulation
THREE MAIN SECTIONS IN SONATA ALLEGRO FORM:
 Exposition - the first part of a composition in sonata form that introduces the theme.
 Development - is the middle part of the sonata-allegro form wherein themes are being
developed
 Recapitulation - repeats the theme as they first emerge in the opening exposition
Concerto:
 Concerto is a multi-movement work designed for an instrumental soloist and orchestra.
 A concerto has three movements
1st Movement: FAST: Sonata-allegro form with expositions of the orchestra and then by the
soloist.
2nd Movement: SLOW: Has more ornamentation than the First movement.
3rd Movement: FAST: Finale: usually in a form of rondo, resembling the last movement of the
symphony and usually a short cadenza is used.
Symphony:
 A multi-movement work for orchestra, the symphony is derived from the word “Sinfonia” which
literally means “a harmonious sounding together”.
 It is a classical music for the whole orchestra.
 It generally in four movements.
1st Movement: Fast - Sonata-allegro form
2nd Movement: Slow - gentle, lyrical – typical ABA form or theme and variation
3rd Movement: Medium/Fast - uses a dance form (Minuet or scherzo)
4th Movement: Fast - typically, Rondo or Sonata form
CLASSICAL OPERA
OPERA: is a drama set to music where singers and musicians perform in a theatrical setting.
It has two distinct styles:
1. The Opera Seria (serious opera) usually implies heroic or tragic drama that employs
mythological characters, which was inherited from the Baroque period.
2. The Opera Buffa (comic opera) from Italy made use of everyday characters and situations, and
typically employed spoken dialogues, lengthy arias and was spiced with sight gags, naughty
humor and social satire.
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QUIZZES IN MUSIC 9- QRTR 2
QUIZ 1
PASTE IT HERE!
QUIZ 2
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QUIZ 3
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QUIZ 4
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