Unit 4:
Classical
1750-1830
Musical Characteristics
 Homophonic > Counterpoint
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Major/Minor chords used more; adds support that makes melody prevalent.
 Simplicity and Repetition > Complicated Embellishment
 Shorter Phrases, Clean cadences > Long, overlapping lines
 Piano > Harpsichord
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Incredible interest and development of piano solo music
(flourishes in Romantic period)
Mozart:
Symphony no. 40 in G minor
 Variety in expression
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Crescendo/Diminueno vs. Tiered Dynamics
Vocabulary Review
 Homophonic
 Dynamics: Piano
(mezzo) Forte
 Crescendo
 Diminuendo (Decrescendo)
 Phrase
 Cadence
More Musical Development
 Larger Orchestras
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Instrument Organized into sections, written for as groups
Woodwinds vs. Brass
Mannheim Orchestra (and School, started in 1750 by Johann Stamitz)
 A variety of innovative techniques (principles to master!)
 Mannheim Rocket; Mannheim Crescendo; Mannheim Roller
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 Development of concert symphonies
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Four movements, written for large orchestras
Development of Sonata Form
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Used in the first movement; very strict, repetitive, clearly laid out.
 Innovative Smaller Ensembles, too!
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String Quartet
Piano Trio
Mixed groups (three strings and one wind player, etc…)
(Franz) Joseph Haydn (1732-1809)
 Prolific Austrian composer
 Helped development of Piano Trio
 Helped development of Sonata Form
 “Father of the Symphony”
 “Father of the String Quartet”
 Inspired Mozart, taught Beethoven
Haydn’s Life: Working hard for classical ideals!
 Parents could not read music, but saw Joseph’s talent
 Sent him to study choir with relative, Johann Matthias Frankh
 Left at age 6 – never lived with parents again!
 Not very well taken care of – fed well when he sang well.
 “Freelance” time as teacher, street performer, accompanist
 Spent free time studying composition and music theory
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Made a name for himself writing comic opera, children’s carnival songs…
 Worked for the wealthy Esterhazy family, very successful
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When original patron died, his son let Haydn visit London/work elsewhere
Recognized for being humble and working hard
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(“Good character” led to music being well-received, too!)
Listening Example:
Symphony No 94 in G major (“Surprise”)
 Movement 2 (most famous)
 Written in 1791 (while in London)
 Typical Classical Characteristics:
 Standard symphonic structure:
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4 movements. Strict forms: sonata, Theme and Variation,
minuet and trio, and rondo
Larger orchestra: two flutes, oboes, bassoons, horns,
trumpets, plus timpani and string section
Strict repetition of simple ideas (“motives”)
Drastic use of BOTH major and minor

Balances form, phrases, expressions… and adds comedy.