Music Formative Assessment 1

(Jai Arya Gade 7C)

Task:Students are tasked with crafting a scholarly paper spanning 350 to 500 words in PDF format.
This document should encompass a thorough investigation and analysis of the three distinct eras in
classical music, delving into the following aspects:

↪ Examine the unique characteristics that define each era within classical music, elucidating the
distinguishing features that set them apart. (It should at least include two elements.)
↪ Identify and discuss a noteworthy composer from each era, highlighting their contributions and
impact on the classical music landscape.
↪ How is it related to the Statement of Inquiry (Can classical music inspire and connect people across
different cultures and generations)
↪ Provide a reflective analysis of the formative process of researching and composing this scholarly paper.
Discuss challenges encountered, insights gained, and any novel information assimilated during the
investigative process.
↪ Conclude the paper with a section citing the references utilized in the scholarly exploration, ensuring
proper acknowledgement of sources and maintaining academic integrity.

There were 3 main eras in which had tons of classical music, the first one is the Baroque period which lasted
from around the 1600’s till the 1750’s, secondly, there was a classical era/period which lasted from the 1750’s to
1820’s and lastly, the Romantic era which lasted from 1820’s to around 1900’s.These were the three main eras
where classical music thrived , each era had its own characteristics which I will be explaining.

The Baroque period followed the Renaissance and it brought about many changes in some characteristics of
Middle Age classical compositions. The period could be classified as Ornate music, with shifting dynamics,
volumes and pitches of the two main instruments (either the grand piano, violin or fiddle).Orange is a mixture
of expressions , dramatic, contrast and emotional depth. Italy , France and Germany were the countries most
developed in the Baroque music period. It also brought about with it the concept of operas, which was
performed by both male and female singers in front of a large group of wealthy people in enclosed areas.Opera is
a mixture of drama , music and theater. The man of the opera is called Claudio Monteverdi.Opera tells a story
through dramatic singing.An example of one of the earliest Opera pieces is called Orfeo.Johann Sebastian Bach,
born on March 21, 1685, in Eisenach, Germany, was a renowned German composer and musician of the late
Baroque era. His musical brilliance is widely acknowledged, with notable contributions including orchestral
masterpieces like the Brandenburg Concertos, instrumental creations like the Cello Suites, and vocal
compositions such as the Mass in B Minor. Bach is celebrated as one of the foremost musical geniuses in history.
Hewas one of the greatest composers in the Baroque period.Throughout his career, Bach occupied diverse roles
in churches and courts across Germany. His compositions were characterized by elaborate counterpoint and
harmonic complexity, significantly influencing the classical music landscape.The Baroque period directly relates
to the SOI, "Can classical music inspire and connect people across different cultures and generations?" Through
composers like Johann Sebastian Bach, Baroque music showcases how classical compositions have the ability to
evoke emotions and foster connections that transcend cultural and generational divides. The shared human
experiences depicted in the music create a common ground, enabling classical music to serve as a medium for
connection and inspiration across diverse backgrounds and time periods.

The Classical music era succeeded the Baroque, showing a shift in musical characteristics from the Middle Ages.
It is defined by compositions, stable dynamics, and the use of instruments like the piano and violin. Countries
thriving with classical music during this era include Austria, Germany, and France. Unlike the Baroque period,
the Classical era emphasized clarity, structure, and balanced phrases in instrumental forms, such as symphonies
and sonatas.Composers like Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Ludwig van Beethoven made significant
contributions during this period, expanding the repertoire to include operas like Mozart's "The Magic Flute."
The Classical era's emphasis on clarity and form is evident in the works of Haydn, often referred to as the "Father
of the Symphony" and the "Father of the String Quartet." The era connects to the Statement of Inquiry because
the Classical era, like the Baroque period, shows the capacity of classical music to evoke emotions and connect
people across different cultures and generations. The shared human experiences depicted in Classical
compositions create a common ground, making classical music a powerful medium for inspiration and
connection.

The Romantic era succeeded the Classical period, bringing about a profound transformation in musical
expression. This era, characterized by passion, emotion, and individualism, departed from the structured forms
of the Classical period. It was a reaction against the Enlightenment, and greatly emphasized deep emotions,
along with the beauty of nature. This brought Classical Music to a much more expressive and lovey-dovey stage
of music, that painted a picture with music and lyrics. Some of the most famous composers of this time were
Ludwig Van Beethoven and Frederic Chopin.Along with emotion, this era also emphasized upon individualism
(that broke away from traditional forms of music to become more patriotic and creative), along with program
music, symphonic poems, and operas (that told stories through lyrics and melodies).
Johannes Brahms, a notable figure in the Romantic era, skillfully blended conventional structures with inventive
elements in his musical creations.The Romantic era aligns with the Statement of Inquiry because of its emphasis
on individual expression, emotional depth, and captivating storytelling. During the Romantic period,
composers convey intense emotions and personal experiences through their music, often exploring themes.

While writing this essay, I faced no challenges but gained many new learnings about the different eras going from
the Baroque period to Romantic Era, I learned the different characteristics about each period as well as famous
composers of the era and how the played a significant role in embracing their music and changing certain
views.In the end, to gain such knowledge I used many sources like Encyclopedia Britannica and World
Encyclopedia to gain this knowledge, as well as class discussions on these topics. Overall Classical music is
renowned for its complexity, depth, and emotional richness. Composers like Mozart, Beethoven, and Bach,
among others, have created timeless masterpieces that continue to be celebrated for their artistic brilliance.
Thank you!