MUSICAL CHARACTERIESTIC, FORMN OF CLASSICAL ERA AND THREE

PROMINENTCOMPOSER OF THAT PERIOD

An Assignment Submitted to Alaba Opeyemi Ricket. Department of Practical

Studiess, Faculty of Church Music, the Nigerian
Baptist Theological Seminary,
Ogbomoso.

In Partial Fulfillment of the Course Requirement

Church Music History
CMU734

By

ADEGBOYE, Janet Toyin

MDIV II C.M
210150

November, 2023
TABLE OF COMTENTS

Introduction

The Culture of Classical Era

Characteristics of Music in Classical Era

Forms of Music in Classical Era

Three Prominent Composers of Classical Era

Conclusion
Introduction:

Music in the Classical era start within the period of 1750 to 1820, it was a period of important

artistic and musical development. It marked a transition from the Baroque era's time and

complex compositions to a more advanced and stable style period. During this time, composers

focused on clarity, simplicity, and emotional limitation, giving rise to different musical

characteristics and forms that defined the era. Moreover, the Classical period produced many

prominent composers whose contributions continue to shape the world of music today. In this

paper, we will explore the musical characteristics and forms of music in the Classical era, and

also dig more into the lives and works of three important composers of the period.

The Culture of Classical Era Music

The culture of classical era music refers to the modern period, the artistic and intellectual

environment through which classical music increased and this can be trace down to 18th and

early 19th centuries. Some of the key aspects of the culture of this era are

Musical Style

The music of the classical era is characterized by balance, clarity, and formal structure.

Composers of this period lay more emphasis on grace, simplicity, and emotional limitation. The

classical style choose well-defined melodies and clear harmonic progressions.

Patronage System

During the classical era, music was primarily supported by upper-class patrons and the nobility.

Composers often worked under the employment of wealthy individuals or royal courts, creating
music for their specific needs and occasions. This patronage system allowed composers to focus

on their artistry without having to worry about financial stability.

Rise of Public Concerts

The classical era witnessed the emergence of public concerts. These concerts held in concert

halls or public stage to allowed composers and performers to reach a wider audience beyond the

aristocracy. During this period, public concerts became a popular form of entertainment and

composers gained fame through their performances.

Enlightenment Ideals

The classical era corresponded with the Age of Enlightenment. This period is marked by

intellectual and moral developments and also with its enlightenment ideals such as reason and

logic influenced, it really help the music of that era to have upper hand.

Musical Forms and Genres

This era bring about the development and modification of various musical forms and varieties.

The masterpiece, sonata, concerto, string quartet, and opera were prominent forms during this

time. The Composers discovered this new potentials and they use it to take away musical

limitations.

Changing Social Structures

During the classical era music became more accessible to wider range of people. Composers

started composing music that enticed the middle-class audience which led to music development.

Musical Instruments
The classical era bring about advancements in instrument-making and this lead to the

development of new and improved instruments. The instrument like piano became a central

instrument during this period and Composers of this era took advantage of this advancements to

write music that bring out the abilities of these instruments.

Characteristic of Classical Era Music

Some of the Characteristics that distinguished classical era from other era of Music are;

1 Melodies are more singable and memorable

2. The composers preferred clear and homophonic textures where a single melodic line will be

supported by accompany harmonies.

3. The song is composed with universal language that everybody can understand.

4. The music of this era is notable as well as entertainment.

5. The music of that era is capable of pleasing listeners, the music of that era is composed in a

way that pleases the listener.

Forms of Music in Classical Era

Some of the prominent forms of the Classical music era:

1. Sonata Form

Sonata form is a structural framework commonly used in the first movement of symphonies,

sonatas, and concertos.

2. Minuet and Trio

The minuet and trio is a three-part form often used as the third movement of symphonies, string

quartets, and other instrumental works.

3. Melody and Variations

Melody and variations involve taking a simple melody and creating a series of variations by

altering its harmony, rhythm, or other musical elements.

4. Concerto Form

The music of this era is been done in concerto form and this concerto form is in three-movement

structure, typically used in solo instrumental works accompanied by an orchestra. The first

movement follows the sonata-allegro form, the second movement is often a slower while the

third movement is usually a lively and energetic end.

The Three Prominent Composers of Classical Era

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)

Wolfgang was born in Salzburg, Austria in 1756. He was a child prodigy who wrote his first

symphony at age five (5). He shared his earlier precocity both as a keyboard player and violinist

and soon he turned his hand towards composition. Obviously, he developed his gift under the

tutelage of his father. He was able to travel abroad through the help of their patron, the arch

bishop of Salzburg in 1763 and also 1766 to Berlin and London. He composed over 6000 song

which was compiled by L. Bon Kochel in 1862. Part of his songs are;

1 .Minuet for piano (K1)

2. Piano Sonata No.11in D (331)

3. Piano Concerto No. 20 in D minor (446)

4. Violin Concerto No. 5 in A (K219) and many others.

Ludwig Van Beethoven (1770 – 1829)

Ludwig Van Beethoven was born in 1770 and he moved to Vienna in 1772 where he had some

lessons from Haydn and Mozart and some other people. He studied the work of Bach and

through this he established himself keyboard player and original composer. He became deaf in

1815 which made it impossible for him to perform publicly. He wrote one opera called Fidelio

and others like Symphony 8, German Dances No. 1 and 2 and many others.

Franz Joseph Haydn (1732 – 1809)

Franz Joseph was born in Rohrau in 1732, he was the son of a wheelwright and was trained as

chorister at St. Joseph Cathedral in Vienna before he was appointed to the musical establishment

of Count Morzin in 1759. He entered the service of Esther Harzy princess in 1760 and succeeded

to the position of Kapellmeister on the death of his predecessor and his immediate superior

Weimer in 1766. Franz Joseph wrote two dozen opera, 400 British folk and 100 symphony in

London.

Conclusion

The Classical era of music presented distinctive musical characteristics and forms that shaped

the course of Western music. Composers like Mozart, Beethoven, and Haydn showed the spirit

of this period through their compositions, which continue to be celebrated for their beauty,

craftsmanship and enduring influence. Their works characterize the clarity and emotional depth

that define the Classical era and leaving an unforgettable mark on the history of music.
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