Learning Objectives

Be ready to...

Explain how the Classical period (1750-1825) characteristics of order, objectivity, and harmonious proportion relate to the music characteristics of the period.
Summarize how the American Revolution (1775-83) and the French Revolution (1789-99) profoundly changed political systems and social order.
Classify the large-scale musical forms in which the Classical masters composed.
Explain music making in the context of the royal court and the patronage system.
Define form and absolute music, and relate these concepts to one another.
Differentiate between the main musical forms of the Clasical-era by summarizing the development of the symphony, sonata, string quartet, and the concerto.
Define and analyze the symphony, sonata, string quartet, and concerto forms in the context of the Classical period.
Describe the impact of the major Classical composers Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven.
Discuss the impact of Beethoven's thirty-two piano sonatas.
Compare and contrast the two types of Italian opera: opera buffa and opera seria.

Classical Period (1750-1825)

Listening Bridge: From the Baroque to the Classical Period

Listen to the following excerpts, and compare them, using the following questions as a guide:

What is the solo instrument featured in each piece?
How would you describe the orchestra that accompanies the soloist in each example?
In which piece do the orchestra and soloist play the same “theme”?
In which piece does the accompaniment part include many repeated tones?
In which piece are there more sudden and extreme changes in dynamics?
Which piece features a basso continuo?
Which piece features a more “singable” melody?
What purpose do you think each piece was intended to serve?

Antonio Vivaldi

Composer: Antonio Vivaldi

"The Four Seasons: Concerto No. 4 in F minor, Op. 8, No. 4, Rv 297, Winter: I. Allegro Non Molto"

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Composer: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

"Piano Concerto No. 21 in C major, K. 467: II. Andante"

Listening Prelude

This is an excerpt from the first movement of what is arguably the most frequently heard piece from the Classical period. Listen to it, and consider the following questions.

Ludwig van Beethoven

What would you call the ensemble that is performing this piece?
Is there a “singable” melody in this excerpt?
Are there clear phrases? (Can you tell where one idea ends and another begins?)
Are musical ideas repeated within this excerpt?
Does there appear to be a development of ideas, or is there a constant stream of new ones?
Is there a regular and consistent pulse?
Are rhythmic ideas repeated?
Does this piece appear to be free-flowing or highly structured?

Composer: Ludwig van Beethoven

"Symphony No. 5 in C Minor, Op. 67: I. Allegro con brio"