MUSIC

MSIUC FO EHT
CASSLICAL POIERD
TODAY’S LESSON 
 MUSIC OF THE
CLASSICAL PERIOD
TODAY’S LESSON 
ORAAAAYT 
SYMPHONY NO. 5, OP 67, CM
BY LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN
1750-1820
IS WHEN THE CLASSICAL PERIOD’S MUSIC
HAD BECAME WELL KNOWN.
 WHAT IS CLASSICAL MUSIC?
• Refers to Western music composed in the late
17th century to early 18th century.
• Cultural life was dominated by aristocracy, as
patrons of musicians and artists generally
influenced the arts. Significant changes in
musical forms and styles were made.
 “AGE OF REASON”

• Is another term called for the

Classical Period.
 “CLASSICISM”
• In the middle of the18th Century, Europe
began to move towards a new style in
architecture, literature and the arts called
“CLASSICISM”.
• It was also pushed forward by the changes
of economical order and social structure.
Instrumental music was patronized primarily by the nobility.
 IMPORTANT
EVENTS DURING
THIS ERA:
• The French Revolution
• Napoleonic Wars
• The American
Declaration of
Independence (1776)
• The American
Revolution
- The term classical denotes conformity
with the principles & characters of
ancient Greek & Roman literature and
art which were formal, elegant, simple,
freed & dignified.
- Same characteristics were used to describe
CLASSICAL MUSIC.
“Other
Characteristics • Harmony & texture are homophonic
in general.
of Classical • The dynamics of loud & soft was
clearly shown by extensive use of
Music” CRESENDO & DIMINUENDO.
• A style of broken chord
accompaniment called Alberti Bass
was practiced.

GREAT COMPOSERS FROM THIS PERIOD:

FRANZ JOSEPH WOLFGANG LUDWIG VAN

HAYDN AMADEUS BEETHOVEN
MOZART
INSTRUMENTAL FORMS VOCAL FORMS
DEVELOPED DURING DEVELOPED DURING
THIS ERA: THIS ERA:

•SONATA •OPERA
•CONCERTO SERIA
•SYMPHONY •OPERA
BUFFA
GUIDE QUESTIONS 
1. What can you say about the history of music
within the Classical Period?
2. What are some characteristics of Classical
Music?
3. How does Music from the classical period
differ from the Music made today?