The Classical Period(1700-1820)

What is the classical period?

The classical period describes a phase of European culture in general, which often refers to the style of music typical of this era, but which can also include literature, architecture and the plastic

arts, among other things. This movement, prevalent in the 18th century, strongly emphasized

clarity, harmony, and symmetry instead of the overcomplexity characteristic of the baroque.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7jEpsgpPLQ

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRgXUFnfKIY

Down with Bach!Enough with convoluted,

overcomplicated and bloated music. We want

music that is clear, prominent and progressive!

Major composers

Mozart (1756-1791)Wolfgang Amadeus

Mozart, who wrote over 600 pieces of music, was the preeminent

composer of the classical era, whose influence is so far-

reaching that his name has become associated with classical music in

general. He refined classical era music to

perfection.

Haydn (1732-1809)

Josef Haydn was another important compser and good

friend of Mozart. His music tends to be lighter in tone and more comical than Mozart's, whose

music featured quick shifts between light and darkers tones.

Beethoven (1771-1827)Beethoven, like Mozart, was

another composer of magnificent importance. He was also a crucial figure in

the transition between classical and romantic music. While much of his music still retains the the structure of classical era music, he left classical music a fiery and

passionate spirit which threatened to disrupt the orderly structure of high

classicism.

Classical or Baroque?

Orderly Complex Simple Intricate Polyphony Sudden Harmonic Counterpoint Syncopation

Simplicity Clarity Equality Distorted Uneven Progressive Symmetry Involved Melodic