CLASSICAL PERIOD

The Classical period lasted from approximately 1750 to 1800. The name classical is applied to the period because in art
and literature, there was keen interest in and emulation of the classical artistic and literary heritage of Greece and
Rome.

Intellectually, this era has also been labelled the Age of Enlightenment. Philosophers such as Rousseau, Voltaire, and
Montesquieu wrote of the value of the common person and the power of human reasoning in overcoming the
problems of the world. This revolution in thinking inevitably led to conflict between the old order and new ideas. The
French and American revolutions in the last quarter of the eighteenth century were stimulated by this new attitude.

The musical scene in the classical period reflected the changes occurring in the society in which the music was being
written. This was the first era in music history in which public concerts became an important part of the musical scene.
Music was still being composed for the church and the court, but the advent of public concerts reflected the new view
that music should be written for the enjoyment and entertainment of the common person.

FOLLOW THE LINKS (CTRL+CLIC) Neoclassicism, the architecture and paintings of the classical period. A little night
music, by Mozart

The music of the classical era was dominated by three composers: Franz Joseph Haydn (1732-1809), Wolfgang
Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791), and Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827).

Instrumental music

For the first time, during the Classical period most of the important stylistic advances that occurred can be observed
most clearly in the instrumental forms: the symphony, concerto, sonata, and in instrumental chamber music.
     During the Classical Era, many changes in instrumental style took place. Sonata form was the basic structure in
which composers wrote instrumental music. Sonata form was applied to solo sonatas, chamber music, symphonies,
concertos and piano works. These compositions contained three or four movements, each with its own special
characteristics.

     Another important form of instrumental music was the symphony, which blossomed during the 18th century. It
was an orchestral composition arranged in three or four movements. Chamber music was composed for a very small
ensemble with only a few members and with only one instrument to a part. String quartet was the most popular
chamber medium of the Classical era. It was made up of one cello, two violins, and a viola. It was written in 4
movements, using the Classical sonata form.

FOLLOW THE LINKS (CTRL+CLIC) Sonata form and symphony Chamber music and String quartet

Vocal music

While the instrumental works of the Classical era were grandiose, the vocal works of the time did not make much of an
evolution from those of the Baroque era. There are a few important key changes in concepts that occurred, however.
     During this time, the comedic opera began developing. This type of opera was in sharp contrast to the opera seria. It
catered more to the people who wanted to "revolt" against the more serious and dramatic opera. Mozart was one of the
most famous composers of comedic opera.
FOLLOW THE LINK (CTRL+CLIC) The marriage of Figaro

Beethoven, Ludwig Van (1770-1827)

     Beethoven's music is remembered today for its unique quality and for its defiance. His new styles bridged the
Classical and Romantic era and brought the musical world from the old into the new. Beethoven was also the first
composer to ever be appreciated by the public within his own lifetime. Thanks to him, great musicians of their time
would receive the credit they were rightly due.

http://cmed.faculty.ku.edu/private/classical.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classical_period_(music)

www.lavangparish.org/.../musictheory/Appendix004