music history

Music HistoryMusic HistoryAn Abbreviated History

of Western Classical Music

An Abbreviated History of

Western Classical Music

The Classical Period1750 - 1820

The Classical Period1750 - 1820

Refined Structured Emotionally restrained

Refined Structured Emotionally restrained

The music of Classical Period is frequently described as:

The Classical Period

The Classical Period

Because Vienna became the cultural center of Europe during this time period, it is sometimes referred to as the Viennese Classical Period.

Because Vienna became the cultural center of Europe during this time period, it is sometimes referred to as the Viennese Classical Period.

The Classical Period1750 - 1820

The Classical Period1750 - 1820 Rise of the lower and middle classes

American Revolution (July 4, 1776) French Revolution (July 14, 1789) Napoleonic Wars (1792 – 1815)

More time for leisure activities, including going to concerts (paid admission)

Rise of the lower and middle classes American Revolution (July 4, 1776) French Revolution (July 14, 1789) Napoleonic Wars (1792 – 1815)

More time for leisure activities, including going to concerts (paid admission)

The Classical Period1750 - 1820

The Classical Period1750 - 1820

Advances in Science:

• Eli Whitney (cotton gin)

• James Watt (metric unit of electrical power, coined the term “horsepower”)

Musical CharacteristicsMusical Characteristics Clarity of form Simplicity in harmony Greater use of written dynamics Tremendous growth in the

development of opera Development of the symphony

orchestra “Absolute music”

Clarity of form Simplicity in harmony Greater use of written dynamics Tremendous growth in the

development of opera Development of the symphony

orchestra “Absolute music”

Symphony OrchestraSymphony Orchestra

Strings: first violins, second violins, viola, ‘cello, double bass

Woodwinds: flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon

Brass: trumpet, French horn, trombone, tuba

Percussion: snare drum, bass drum, timpani, cymbals

NOTE: no continuo (keyboard)

Strings: first violins, second violins, viola, ‘cello, double bass

Woodwinds: flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon

Brass: trumpet, French horn, trombone, tuba

Percussion: snare drum, bass drum, timpani, cymbals

NOTE: no continuo (keyboard)

Piano replaces harpsichord and organ as the most important solo keyboard instrument

Piano replaces harpsichord and organ as the most important solo keyboard instrument

Replica of 1790’s Forte Piano

Replica of 1790’s Forte Piano

Forte PianoForte Piano

Instrumental Musical Forms

Instrumental Musical Forms

Sonata FormI. AllegroII. AdagioIII. MinuetIV. Allegro

Sonata FormI. AllegroII. AdagioIII. MinuetIV. Allegro

Types of SonatasTypes of Sonatas Solo Sonata: Solo keyboard,

or solo instrument with piano accompaniment

Symphony: a sonata for full symphony orchestra

Concerto: a sonata for a solo instrument with full orchestra

Solo Sonata: Solo keyboard, or solo instrument with piano accompaniment

Symphony: a sonata for full symphony orchestra

Concerto: a sonata for a solo instrument with full orchestra

Sonata Allegro FormSonata Allegro Form

Introduction Exposition Development Recapitulation Coda

Introduction Exposition Development Recapitulation Coda

Franz Joseph Haydn1732 - 1809

Franz Joseph Haydn1732 - 1809

Musical ExampleMusical Example

Symphony No. 94 in G (“Surprise”)

by F.J. Haydn

Symphony No. 94 in G (“Surprise”)

by F.J. Haydn

Second Movement - Andante

Musical ExampleMusical Example

Symphony No. 101 in D (“Clock”)

by F.J. Haydn

Symphony No. 101 in D (“Clock”)

by F.J. Haydn

Second Movement - Andante

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart1756 - 1791

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart1756 - 1791

Musical ExampleMusical Example

Symphony No. 41 in C K.550 (“Jupiter”)

by W.A. Mozart

Symphony No. 41 in C K.550 (“Jupiter”)

by W.A. Mozart

First Movement – Allegro Vivace

Sonata Allegro Form

Ludwig van Beethoven1770 - 1827

Ludwig van Beethoven1770 - 1827

Musical ExampleMusical Example

Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op.67

by L.V. Beethoven

Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op.67

by L.V. BeethovenFirst Movement – Allegro con Brio

uses short “motif” as main theme

The EndThe End