Music of the Classical Period

1. Music of the Classical
Period
The Classical Period is often referred to as the
“Age of Reason” or “The Enlightenment”. Also
characterized as Elegant and Formal.

2. Music of the Classical Period
 Music in the Classical period started from 1750 to 1827, it
served a highly sophisticated and wealthy society. It is also
referred to as “Viennese Classical Period” because famous
composers like Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven worked in
Vienna.

3. Music of the Classical Period
 The fundamental changes in music style that differentiated the
Baroque from the Classical were inspired by the Rococo ideals the
artistic expression dedicated to elegance, gracefulness, and at the
same time, frivolous.
 Church music was no longer a major patron for composing sacred
music since secular music is more popular as seen in the dance
music during this period.
 Major forms of music were the symphony, concerto, sonata, and
string quartet. Folk music was also introduced in this era.
 New instruments like trumpet and piano were introduced and new
dance forms such as romantic waltz and the minuet emerged during
this period.

4. Music of the Classical Period
 Music in this era is simply to entertain the wealthy people.
The compositions were constructed around one melody with
the form of ABA. Music is precise, clear, and is characterized
by balance.
 Most vocal music during the classical period originated in Italy.
Reform opera was the first that falls under the vocal music.
 There are two types of an opera in the Classical period:
-Opera Seria
-Cosmic Opera

5. Music of the Classical Period
Opera Seria – also known as serious opera or grand opera. It
implies heroic or tragic drama usually about mythological
characters like the gods and goddesses. Mozart’s Idomeneo is an
example of Opera Seria.

6. Music of the Classical Period
Cosmic Opera – Operas that use spoken dialogues or recitatives
with less profound music. The different types of Comic Opera
are the following:
 Opera Buffa – a full length comic opera sung throughout with
a combination of serious and comic characters. There are fast
recitatives with accompaniment.
 Opera Comique – a kind of opera where songs were
performed alternately with spoken dialogue. It came from
France.
 English Ballad Opera & Singspiel

7. Music of the Classical Period
 During the Classical period, instrumental music became more
important than vocal music.
 The use of clavichord or the fortepiano rather than the
harpsichord was preferred during this period.
Different musical forms during the Classical period are:
 Sonata – means an extended instrumental work of a solo
instrument with a piano accompaniment.
- a serious allegro
- a slow, lyrical movement
- a minuet and trio
- a finale

8. Music of the Classical Period
 Symphony – the most important and influential form of the
sonata that is played by an orchestra. It came from the word
sinfonia and consists of four movements which contrasts in
tempo and in mood.
- fast and lively
- slow
- fast
- brilliant and fast
 Concerto – is an instrumental work of a solo instrument like
piano, violion, or any other instrument with the orchestra
accompaniment. This is to primarily emphasize the sound of a
solo instrument. A concerto has three movement; fast, slow,
and fast.

9. THANKS FOR LISTENING :D