Lecture on Music of the Classical Period

Introduction

• Focus on the Classical period in music (1750-1820).
• Known as the Age of Reason.
• Dominated by the aristocracy as patrons of musicians and artists.
• Conformity with principles of ancient Greece and Rome.
• Homophonic harmony and texture.

Instrumental Music

Sonata

• Definition: Multi-movement work for solo instruments.
• Movements:
  1. Allegro (fast)
  2. Slow tempo (e.g., Andante, Largo)
  3. Minuet (3/4 time, moderate/fast)

Sonata Allegra Form

• Consists of three sections:
  1. Exposition: Introduces the theme.
  2. Development: Themes are developed.
  3. Recapitulation: Repeats initial themes.

Concerto

• Multi-movement work for soloist and orchestra.
• Movements:
  1. Fast (sonata allegra form)
  2. Slow with ornamentation
  3. Fast finale (rondo form)

Symphony

• Multi-movement work for orchestra.
• Movements:
  1. Fast (sonata allegra form)
  2. Slow (ABA form or theme & variation)
  3. Medium/fast (dance form, minuet or scherzo)
  4. Fast (rondo or sonata form)

Vocal Music

Opera

• Drama set to music with singers and musicians.
• Styles:
  1. Opera Seria: Serious, mythological characters.
  2. Opera Buffa: Comic, everyday characters and situations.

Important Terms

• Sinspiel: Opera based on serious plots, mythological themes.
• Aria: Separate song for one voice.
• Recitative: Style of delivery mimicking speech.
• Bel Canto: "Beautiful singing."
• Grand Opera: Spectacular opera.
• Music Drama: Opera style created by a single artist.
• Alberti Bass: Special broken chord accompaniment.

Famous Composers

• Franz Joseph Haydn: Father of the Symphony, "Surprise Symphony."
• Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Child prodigy, over 700 works, known for operas like "The Marriage of Figaro."
• Ludwig van Beethoven: Bridged Classical and Romantic eras, known for symphonies like "Eroica" and "Fur Elise."

Influence and Popularity

• Classical music associated with nobility.
• Supported by aristocracy, played in courts.
• With modern media, classical music is now accessible to the masses.

Activities

• Note: Module 2 is skipped, proceed to Module 3.

Conclusion: Music of the Classical Era was heavily patronized by the aristocracy and remains influential today, often used in animated series by popular media companies.

This concludes today's lesson.