Name: __________________________

Class: ___________
Date: ___________

CLASSICAL PERIOD
(1750 - 1820)

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CLASSICAL PERIOD

Dynamics

• Wider dynamic range as compared to the Baroque Period which restricted to

terraced dynamics.
• Crescendo and decrescendo are used in classical period.
Note: Terraced Dynamics – alternation between loud and soft.

Harmony

• Principal chords are used often: Tonic (I), Subdominant (IV) and Dominant (V).

• Simple accompaniments used.

Melody

• Melodic lines are simple.

• Usually sound balanced and symmetrical – regular phrase: 2 or 4 bars’ phrase.

Texture

• Homophonic texture: melody with accompaniment.

SONATA FORM
It is a form of a single movement in a piece. It is NOT a Sonata. A Sonata is a piece with several
movements.
Sonata form is used mostly in the first movement of a Sonata, Symphony, Concerto or String
Quartet. There are 3 main section in the sonata form: Exposition, Development and
Recapitulation.

o First theme in the Tonic Key

o Bridge / transition: Modulation to the new key
o Second theme in the new key (usually in the Dominant Key)
Exposition o Closing section in the new key
o The end of the classical exposition usually has the repeat sign

o The themes from the exposition section and motives (short

musical ideas) are developed.
Development o Modulates to different keys.

o First theme in the Tonic Key

o Bridge / transition
Recapitulation o Second theme in the Tonic Key
o Closing section in the Tonic Key

Listening Assignment:
1. Haydn’s Sonata in C Major No. 60, 1st movement (00:00 – 05:04)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XlJmR3aDLiw

In the exposition section, the first theme is in C major played by the right hand. The
G
second theme is in _____ major and is introduced by the Left
______ hand. The
G
Development section begins in _______ minor and modulates through the section.
The recapitulation section begins with the theme being played in C major. The second
C
theme is in ________major and the piece ends in the same key.