MUSIC OF THE CLASSICAL PERIOD (QUARTER 2)

MUSIC 9

1. MUSIC OF THE CLASSICAL PERIOD 2nd Quarter

2. MUSIC OF THE CLASSICAL PERIOD (1750-1820 )

3. Musical taste has always been affected by the social and economic status within each era. The experiences of the maestros were the sole foundation to direct the course of their compositions; daringly exposed their very soul to each composition that they have created. 3

4. Historical and Cultural Background During the classical period, the power of reason was so highly valued that it began undermining the authority of the church. Philosophers saw their times as a great turning point in history and called it the “the Age of Reason” (Period of Enlightenment) . 4

5. They believed in progress, holding that reason, not custom and tradition, was the best guide to human conduct. This new opinion prepared the way for the American and French revolutions at the end of the eighteenth century. 5

6. The term “classical” denotes conformity with the principles and characteristics of ancient Greece and Roman literature and art which were formal, elegant, simple, and dignified. The same characteristics may also describe the melodies of classical music. 6

7. Texture is generally homophonic . The use of crescendo augmented the forte and piano dynamics. A style of broken chord accompaniment called alberti bass was practiced. The great composers of the period were: Franz Joseph Haydn, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and Ludwig Van Beethoven. 7

8. Sonata, concerto, and symphony are the instrumental forms developed during this era while vocal forms included opera seria and opera buffa. 8

9. Characteristics of Classical Music Contrast of Mood Great variety and contrast of mood received new emphasis in classical music. Mood may change gradually or suddenly, expressing conflicting surges of elation and depression. 9

10. Flexibility of Rhythm A classical composition has a wealth of rhythmic patterns. There’s flexibility of rhythm , unexpected pauses , syncopations and frequent changes from long notes to shorter notes . Change of patterns from one pattern of note lengths to another may be either sudden or gradual. 10

11. Texture Classical music is basically homophonic . However, texture is treated as flexibly as rhythm. Pieces shift smoothly or suddenly from one texture to another.   11

12. Melody Classical melodies are among the most tuneful and easy to remember . The themes of even highly sophisticated compositions may have a folk or popular flavor. Occasionally, composers simply borrowed popular tunes. Classical melodies often sound balanced and symmetrical because they are frequently made up of two phrases of the same length 12

13. Dynamics and Piano The classical composers’ interest in expressing shades of emotion led to the widespread use of gradual dynamic change – crescendo and decrescendo . They did not restrict themselves to the terraced dynamics (abrupt shifts from loud to soft).   13

14. The desire for gradual dynamic change led to the replacement of the harpsichord by the piano. The piano “ piano-forte ” was invented around 1700 and began to replace the harpsichord only around 1775. 14

15. End of Basso Continuo The basso continuo was gradually abandoned. One reason why it became obsolete was that more and more music was written for amateurs who could not master the difficult art of improvising from the figured bass. 15

16. Write TRUE if the statement is correct and if it is false, write the word/term to make it correct.   __________1. Learning music was only for aristocrats during the Classical Period. _________2. The texture of classical music is predominantly homophonic. 16   Activity No. 1: DIRECTIONS

17. __________3. The simplicity of the melody is the reason why classical music is easy to remember .__________4. There is a narrow range of mood in classical pieces. __________5. The rhythm of classical music is constant in pace. 17