Music of the

Classical
Period
 MUSIC OF THE CLASSICAL PERIOD
• Classical music refers to the period from 1750-1820.
• It is also known as the “Age of Reason” or “Age of
Enlightenment” because reason and individualism
rather than tradition were emphasized in this
period.
• During this time, there were significant changes in
musical forms and style distinguishing the music
from those of the previous era. New music forms
emerged such as sonata, concerto, and symphony.
 ELEMENTS OF MUSIC
1. Rhythm - it is the way music is organized in time.
2. Melody - it is a series of tones sounding in
succession. Linear/horizontal presentation of pitch.
3. Harmony - it is the virtualization of pitch; the way
melodies interact with one another.
4. Texture - it refers to the number of individual
musical lines and the relationship these lines to
one another.
 VOCAL AND INSTRUMENTAL
MUSIC IN CLASSICAL PERIOD

1. Sonata - a musical composition

usually for a solo instrument or
small instrumental ensemble and
consists of two or four movements.
 VOCAL AND INSTRUMENTAL
MUSIC IN CLASSICAL PERIOD

2. Sonata Allegro Form - the most

important form in the classical era
consisting of three main sections:
exposition, development and
recapitulation.
 VOCAL AND INSTRUMENTAL
MUSIC IN CLASSICAL PERIOD
3. Concerto- from late baroque era for
instrumental compositions,
written for instrumental soloist
accompanied by an orchestra to exhibit
the virtuosity and interpretative abilities
of the performer.
 VOCAL AND INSTRUMENTAL
MUSIC IN CLASSICAL PERIOD
4. Symphony- a musical composition
usually works for orchestra. The
symphony is derived from the word
sinfonia which means “a harmonious
sounding together.”
CLASSICA
L OPERA
Opera - is an art form of musicians and
singers performed in a theatrical setting.
TYPES OF OPERA
1. Opera Seria - an Italian musical term which means
“serious opera” in which the story was a tragedy.
Everything was sung without spoken language.
2. Opera Buffa - is an Italian term meaning “comic
opera” with entertaining musical comedy.
Composers of
the Classical
Period
He was born in Pohrah, Austria and one of the
most prominent composers of the Classical
Period. His life was described as a
“rags-to-riches” story.
He came from a poor family and his music led
to his rise in social status.
He was named, “Father of the Symphony” and
his famous works are The Clock Symphony,
Surprise Symphony and The Military.
He is a child prodigy and the most
amazing genius in musical history.
He was born in Salzburg Austria.
His father is Leopold Mozart, a
composer, violinist and teacher and
his mother is Anne Maria Perti.
He was already playing the violin and
harpsichord at the age five, recognized as
an exceptional pianist at six, and already
composing excellent music at the age of
seven. At age thirteen, he had composed
different genres of music; opera, concerto,
chamber music, symphony, choral and vocal
and instrumental.
His famous works were The
Marriage of Figaro (1986), Don
Giovanni (1789), and The Magic
Flute. Unfortunately, due to
mismanaged finances he lived his
life in poverty, died young, and
buried in an unknown grave.
He was born in Bonn, Germany.
His father and grandfather were
both musicians and studied music
at early age.
He was the composer who bridged
the late Classical era and the early
Romantic era.
His famous compositions include
32 piano sonatas, 21 set of
variations, 9 symphonies, 5
concertos for piano, 16 string
quartets and choral music. His
works include Missa Solemnes,
Fidelio, Eroica, Pastoral and Choral.
He began to go deaf in 1796 but
this did not become a hindrance.
He continued composing through
the help of an assistant and hearing
gadget and some of his famous
compositions were made when he
was deaf.
Characteristics
of Classical
Music
1. Texture - Less complicated texture
than Baroque (more
homophonic)- Emphasis on beauty,
elegance and balance
2. Melody -Melodies tend to be
shorter than those in Baroque, with
clear-cut phrases, and clear marked
cadences.
3. Instrumentation -The orchestra increases
in size and range. The harpsichord falls
out of use and woodwind becomes a self-
contained section. The piano takes over,
often with Alberti Bass accompaniment.
4. Music Styles -sonata,
symphony, concerto,
sonata allegro, opera- sonata
allegro form was the most
important design.
Module 2
 Different
Performances
of the Classical
The music of the classical era has a
lighter and clearer texture. It is
mainly homophonic. The melody is
simple and easy to remember.
There is extensive use of dynamics;
phrases are very regular and the
same length.
Listening to Classical music might not
be your choice because most of
you would rather sing songs or listen to
music which for you would give
enjoyment and make you feel good. But
without you knowing it, sometimes you
are already actually singing or listening
to classical music.
 CLASSICAL
MUSIC FORMS
1.Aria
This is the moment in an opera
where a lead character shows off his
or her vocal chops. It is an Italian
word of the 18th century meaning
“air”.
2. Cadenza
The cadenza is a chance for the soloist to
show off by him/herself during a concerto. At
the end of one or more movements, there
comes a dramatic moment where the
orchestra stops playing and the soloist goes
for it – technically, lyrically, or interpretively,
strutting his or his stuff.
3. Concerto
The concerto pits a soloist (usually
pianist, violinist, or cellist) against the
whole orchestra. A concerto highlights
both soloist and orchestra, and it’s a
chance to see what both can do
independently and together.
4. Sonata
A composition for solo instrument,
and if it’s not for the piano, then it’s
usually accompanied by the piano.
It’s usually written in three or four
moments
5. Classical Opera
Opera features performers enacting dramatic
plots via their singing either big melodies
(arias, define above) or semisung/ spoken
moment of dialogue, called recitative.
Costumes, sets, staging and a ful orchestra
are involved Opera seria- opera
6. Symphony/
A multi-movement work for orchestra. It
is derived from the sinfonia which
literally means “ a harmonious sounding
together.” It is a classical music for the
whole orchestra, generally in four
movements.
 MUSICAL
INSTRUMENTS OF
AN ORCHESTRA
The classical era, which covers roughly the
second half of the 18th century, is one of the
most significant periods in the development of
orchestration. The Classical orchestra came
to consist of strings (first and second violins,
violas, violoncellos, and double basses), two
flutes, two oboes, two clarinets, two
bassoons, two or four horns, two trumpets,
and two timpani.