Music History: The Classical Period

Overview

• The Classical Period in Western music history lasted from approximately 1750 to 1820.
• This period follows the Baroque era of the 17th and early 18th centuries.
• Many traditional musical practices were codified during this time, establishing many rules still followed in music today.

Terminology

• 'Classical music' often refers to Western art music, spanning from the Middle Ages to the 21st century.
• The Classical Period is a specific time frame within this tradition.

Reaction to Baroque Period

• Baroque music was highly decorated with complex textures and emotional extremes.
• Classical music emphasized formal balance, singable melodies, and a hierarchical structure of emotion to form and function.

Evolution of Musical Forms and Genres

• Baroque genres were adapted, e.g.,
  • French opera overture evolved into the four-movement symphony.
  • Trio sonatas evolved into classical string quartets.
  • Solo sonatas became more standardized.

Instrumentation and Performance

• Standardization of orchestral and chamber music instrumentation.
• String quartets performed in private settings or by amateur aristocrats.
  • Example: Haydn's patron, Prince Nicholas Esterházy I, played the baritone.
  • King Frederick the Great was a performer and composer.

Development of Sonata and Symphony

• Sonatas standardized as a three-movement genre with specific forms:
  • First Movement: Sonata allegro form with an ABA structure (exposition, development, recapitulation).
  • Second Movement: Slow, song-like, often in ternary form.
  • Third Movement: Often in sonata allegro or rondo form.
• Example: Mozart's Sonata No. 10 for Piano, K. 330.

Musical Theories and Tonality

• Rameau's treatise on harmony defined the tonic, dominant, and subdominant chords.
• Focus on homophonic textures and stepwise melodic motion.

Public Concerts

• Rise of public concert houses.
• Composers no longer relied solely on church or court patrons.

Notable Composers

• List of major classical period composers and their works.

Conclusion

• The Classical Period set the foundation for many practices in Western music.
• More music history content is available through Liberty Park Music.