Classical Music

DONE BY HARRY THALAIVAN

What is Classical Music?

 Classical Music- The Oxford Dictionary defines 'classical music' as

“music written in a Western musical tradition, usually using an
established form (for example a symphony).

 The classical music era is usually seen as the years between

approximately 1750 and 1820.
Characteristics of Classic Music

 Homophonic Accompaniment
 Balanced Phrases- are paired phrases of equal length and without precise melodic or harmonic similarities,
but with a sense of belonging together.

 Simplicity- Music at this time was simplified, with simple melodies and large ensembles to sustain it.
 Accessability- The first public concert halls were built in the late Baroque period. This enabled many people to
see and hear classical music performances. Nearly all composers worked in the courts of aristocrats during the classical
period. However, public concerts started to become more widespread across Europe. A new audience emerged because
of the music’s catchy melodies and less complex structures. The number of public concert halls and audiences started to
grow and became an essential source of income for composers and artists.

 Contrasting Moods- Classical music’s mood shifts dramatically –reflecting euphoria and grief in opposition
to one another. Unlike Baroque music, classical music does not emphasize a singular devotion. It is developed to
incorporate stark contrasts, sometimes even within a similar theme.
Styles of Classical Music

 Sonatas- It comes from the Latin word sonare, to sound; so a sonata

is anything that is sounded by instruments
 Operas- is an art form that tells a story through music and singing.
 Symphonies- A long piece of music for orchestra, usually with four
movements( a musical piece that can be performed on its own but
is part of a larger composition).
Instruments of Classical Music

 Strings - violin, viola, cello, double bass, and sometimes guitar

 Woodwind - recorder or wooden flute, oboe, bassoon and clarinet
 Brass - trumpet, horns (with valves by the end of the period)
 Percussion - timpani (kettledrums) and sometimes triangle, hand
cymbals and bass drum
 Key - fortepiano
Famous composers of Classical
Music
 Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
 Ludwig van Beethoven
 Johann Sebastian Bach
 Joseph Hayden
What is Romantic Music?

 Romantic music is a stylistic movement in Western Classical music

associated with the period of the 19th century commonly referred
to as the Romantic era.

 The Romantic period started around 1830 and ended around 1900.
Characteristics of Romantic Music

 Long melodies
 Unstructured
 Passionate and full of energy
 Dramatic
 Dynamic instrumentation
Styles/Genres of Romantic Music

 Sonata
 Symphony
 Concert etude- An étude is a composition that is specifically written
for the technical improvement of a student's musical skills.
 Rhapsody- a piece of music written without a formal structure that
expresses powerful feelings and emotional excitement.
 The Mazurka- Polish folk dance for a circle of couples,
characterized by stamping feet and clicking heels and traditionally
danced to the music of a village band.
 The Polonaise- dignified ceremonial dance that from the 17th to
19th century often opened court balls and other royal functions.
Composers of the Romantic Period

 Fryderyck Chopin
 Franz Liszt
 Giuseppe Verdi
 Richard Wagner
 Ludwig van Beethoven