Transcript Music History

Music History
An Abbreviated History of
Western Classical Music
The Classical Period
1750 - 1820
The music of Classical Period is frequently
described as:
 Refined
 Structured
 Emotionally restrained
The Classical Period
Because Vienna became
the cultural center of Europe
during this time period, it is
sometimes referred to as the
Viennese Classical Period.
The Classical Period
1750 - 1820
 Rise of the lower and middle classes
 American Revolution (July 4, 1776)
 French Revolution (July 14, 1789)
 Napoleonic Wars (1792 – 1815)
 More time for leisure activities, including
going to concerts (paid admission)
The Classical Period
1750 - 1820
Advances in Science:
•
Eli Whitney (cotton gin)
•
James Watt (metric unit of electrical
power, coined the term “horsepower”)
Musical Characteristics
Clarity of form
Simplicity in harmony
Greater use of written dynamics
Tremendous growth in the development
of opera
 Development of the symphony
orchestra
 “Absolute music”
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Symphony Orchestra
 Strings: first violins, second violins, viola,
‘cello, double bass
 Woodwinds: flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon
 Brass: trumpet, French horn, trombone, tuba
 Percussion: snare drum, bass drum,
timpani, cymbals
 NOTE: no continuo (keyboard)
Piano replaces harpsichord
and organ as the most
important solo keyboard
instrument
Replica of 1790’s Forte Piano
Forte Piano
Instrumental Musical Forms
 Sonata Form
I. Allegro
II. Adagio
III. Minuet
IV. Allegro
Types of Sonatas
 Solo Sonata: Solo keyboard, or
solo instrument with piano
accompaniment
 Symphony: a sonata for full
symphony orchestra
 Concerto: a sonata for a solo
instrument with full orchestra
Sonata Allegro Form
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Introduction
Exposition
Development
Recapitulation
Coda
Franz Joseph Haydn
1732 - 1809
Musical Example
Symphony No. 94 in G
(“Surprise”)
by F.J. Haydn
Second Movement - Andante
Musical Example
Symphony No. 101 in D
(“Clock”)
by F.J. Haydn
Second Movement - Andante
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
1756 - 1791
Musical Example
Symphony No. 41 in C K.550
(“Jupiter”)
by W.A. Mozart
First Movement – Allegro Vivace
Sonata Allegro Form
Ludwig van Beethoven
1770 - 1827
Musical Example
Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op.67
by L.V. Beethoven
First Movement – Allegro con Brio
uses short “motif” as main theme
The End