Approx. 1750-1810
Joseph Haydn
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Franz Schubert
Ludwig Van Beethoven
Context: After the religious wars fought during the Baroque era, a counter-movement of intellectuals surfaced and Europe moved into the Enlightenment. Logic and clear thinking based on rational reasoning and principles were extolled as virtues. Philosophers looked back to the wisdom of their Greek predecessors (in the Classical era of History) and also to scientists like Sir Isaac Newton. The clean lines featured in both the reasoning and architecture of the time can also be found in the music. Vienna was the heart of music in Europe at the time: Mozart, Beethoven, Haydn and Schubert are collectively known as the First Viennese School.
Characteristics:
-Melody and Accompaniment
-Balanced and symmetrical phrases, using dynamics more extensively.
-Theme is developed over several keys.
-Strict structure and the introduction of the Sonata Form.
-Introduction of the Pianoforte (and redundancy of the Harpsichord)
-New wind instruments: Keyed clarinets and flutes.
-Introduction of the Solo Concerto as a musical form.
-More music composed for Chamber ensemble: birth of the string quartet under Haydn.
-Equal Temperament: The octave is now split mathematically into 13 semitones, rather than adhering to the natural tuning of the harmonic series.
*Hint* Be careful not to confuse classical music (with a little ‘c’) with music from the Classical period.
What is Sonata Form?
Sonata form was a rigid musical structure that came about during the Classical era. There are many variants on it, but most consist of the following:
Exposition- a melodic idea or ‘theme’ is introduced in the tonic key. A second melodic idea may then be introduced as the music moves to the dominant key.
Development- the first theme is ‘developed’ and explored, still in the dominant key. New material may be added and the section may move through other keys.
Recapitulation- we return to the themes of the exposition, but this time they are both in the tonic key. They may be altered and embellished. Harmonically, this gives us a sense of returning to the home key.