The Classic Era
1750-1800
 “Classic”
is usually used to
describe something that has a
broad appeal and is long-lasting.
 Prior to this time, a piece of
music was usually performed
once or twice and set aside. In
this period, music more readily
stayed in the concert repertoire.
Why is this period known as the
Classic Period?
Social and political change, beginning with the
death of Louis XIV of France, the most powerful
absolute ruler in Europe, in 1715.
 Period ended with the American War of
Independence (1775-83) and the French Revolution
(1789-94)
 Philosophical period of this time was known as the
Enlightenment, which attempted to apply the
principles of scientific objectivity to issues of social
justice. It also favored the human over the divine,
reason over religion, and clarity over complexity.
 It tried to improve education, eliminate superstition
and prejudice, and break down the rigid class
structure that separated people from one another.
“All men are created equal”
 With this new way of thinking, rulers often
supported the arts.
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From Absolutism to Enlightenment
to Revolution
Freemasonry was founded in England in 1717.
Famous Freemasons included: Johann
Wolfgang von Goethe, Mozart and George
Washington
 Idea of brotherhood did not include women and
few women became monarchs, well-known
writers or famous composers. Women were;
however, accomplished music teachers,
singers, instrumentalists, authors of instruction
manuals, patrons, and organizers of music life.
 In the later part of the century, society’s
attitudes toward women began to broaden and
women took more a public role in music.
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Brotherhood
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The flourishing economy created a large and
prosperous middle class.
The middle class begins to feel entitled to the same
luxuries as the aristocrats. With this, there is a rise of
public concerts.
Public concerts were a new idea because up until the
18th century, concerts were given in private courts or
salons
Music publishing also became a profitable business, as
there was an increase in music consumers.
There was more music at home; people would buy
instruments, books and scores, and take music lessons
Music was now designed to appeal to a broader public.
It had to be lighter, clearer, and more accessible.
The Musical Public
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Balance and proportion, clarity and accessibility; easy on the
ear
Classic music is often composed of just a melody and an
accompaniment, which is light and simple. Imitative
counterpoint is rarely used and then for special effect.
Melodies are pleasing and tuneful and are usually made of 2 or
4 bar phrases. They are usually arranged into patterns of
opening and closing phrases (A 2 or 4 bar opening phrase is
immediately followed by a 2 or 4 bar closing phrase.
Harmony is generally simple, logical and clear. Composers
generally use straightforward keys and do not use strange or
dissonant chords. Basso continuo not used as much; instead, a
“walking bass” – notes move by step in even notes and with a
regular rhythm
“Alberti bass” – continuously moving pattern of short notes.
The accompanying chords are broken up into separate notes
played one after the other.
General Characteristics of Classic
Music
Opera, symphony, string quartet and sonata were the
most popular genres of this time. Notice that all of
these genres are secular. This reflects a shift in
society’s makeup and interests
 At the end of the Baroque period, people were
complaining that opera was too artificial, as the plots
were always about mythological or historical figures
rather than real people, the music was too heavy and
complex, and stage sets were too involved. They also
did not like the arias. They said the repeat of the
opening section interrupted the continuity of the story
and the singers abused the convention of embellishing
the music on its repeat by showing off and drawing
attention to themselves rather than to the plot
 Comic opera – resulted from these complaints:
Featured simpler music, down-to-earth character and
amusing plots.
 Italy- opera buffa, France- opera comique, GermanySingspiel
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Genres of Classic Music: Opera
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Originated around 1730
Began as an introductory piece to Italian opera
The instrumental introduction in three short
movements: Fast-slow-fast was known as the
Overture. The Italian name was Sinfonia.
The music of these overtures was unrelated to the
music of the opera they introduced.
They gradually achieved independence from opera and
were played in a concert setting.
The symphony was gradually extended to a fourmovement scheme. 1st=fast and serious, 2nd=slow and
lyrical, 3rd=graceful and moderate in tempo, 4th=very
fast and lively.
The orchestra included strings, woodwinds, and
(sometimes) trumpets and drums. In the later Classic
period, woodwinds were augmented; composers used
both flutes and oboes.
Size (especially in the strings) often depended on
funding
Symphony
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With the rise of the middle class, more chamber music
was played at home.
Because it was designed to be played at home, in
smaller rooms, it became known as chamber music. It
includes various instrumental combinations of duets,
trios, and quintets
The sonata and String quartet became the most
important types of this period
String quartet – involves four stringed instruments:
two violins, a viola and a cello. They cover a wide pitch
band from high to low. Followed the pattern of
symphonic works (4 movement)
Sonata – Could be composed for keyboard instrument
alone or for a keyboard instrument with another
instrument.
Early in the Classic Era, the harpsichord was the
favored keyboard instrument, but in the late Classic
period, the piano fell into favor, as it could play more
dynamic contrast.
Chamber Music