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Music History An Abbreviated History of Western Classical Music
Music HistoryMusic HistoryAn Abbreviated History
of Western Classical Music
An Abbreviated History of
Western Classical Music
The Classical Period1750 - 1820
The Classical Period1750 - 1820
Refined Structured Emotionally restrained
Refined Structured Emotionally restrained
The music of Classical Period is frequently described as:
The Classical Period
The Classical Period
Because Vienna became the cultural center of Europe during this time period, it is sometimes referred to as the Viennese Classical Period.
Because Vienna became the cultural center of Europe during this time period, it is sometimes referred to as the Viennese Classical Period.
The Classical Period1750 - 1820
The Classical Period1750 - 1820 Rise of the lower and middle classes
American Revolution (July 4, 1776) French Revolution (July 14, 1789) Napoleonic Wars (1792 – 1815)
More time for leisure activities, including going to concerts (paid admission)
Rise of the lower and middle classes American Revolution (July 4, 1776) French Revolution (July 14, 1789) Napoleonic Wars (1792 – 1815)
More time for leisure activities, including going to concerts (paid admission)
The Classical Period1750 - 1820
The Classical Period1750 - 1820
Advances in Science:
• Eli Whitney (cotton gin)
• James Watt (metric unit of electrical power, coined the term “horsepower”)
Musical CharacteristicsMusical Characteristics Clarity of form Simplicity in harmony Greater use of written dynamics Tremendous growth in the
development of opera Development of the symphony
orchestra “Absolute music”
Clarity of form Simplicity in harmony Greater use of written dynamics Tremendous growth in the
development of opera Development of the symphony
orchestra “Absolute music”
Symphony OrchestraSymphony Orchestra
Strings: first violins, second violins, viola, ‘cello, double bass
Woodwinds: flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon
Brass: trumpet, French horn, trombone, tuba
Percussion: snare drum, bass drum, timpani, cymbals
NOTE: no continuo (keyboard)
Strings: first violins, second violins, viola, ‘cello, double bass
Woodwinds: flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon
Brass: trumpet, French horn, trombone, tuba
Percussion: snare drum, bass drum, timpani, cymbals
NOTE: no continuo (keyboard)
Piano replaces harpsichord and organ as the most important solo keyboard instrument
Piano replaces harpsichord and organ as the most important solo keyboard instrument
Replica of 1790’s Forte Piano
Replica of 1790’s Forte Piano
Forte PianoForte Piano
Instrumental Musical Forms
Instrumental Musical Forms
Sonata FormI. AllegroII. AdagioIII. MinuetIV. Allegro
Sonata FormI. AllegroII. AdagioIII. MinuetIV. Allegro
Types of SonatasTypes of Sonatas Solo Sonata: Solo keyboard,
or solo instrument with piano accompaniment
Symphony: a sonata for full symphony orchestra
Concerto: a sonata for a solo instrument with full orchestra
Solo Sonata: Solo keyboard, or solo instrument with piano accompaniment
Symphony: a sonata for full symphony orchestra
Concerto: a sonata for a solo instrument with full orchestra
Sonata Allegro FormSonata Allegro Form
Introduction Exposition Development Recapitulation Coda
Introduction Exposition Development Recapitulation Coda
Franz Joseph Haydn1732 - 1809
Franz Joseph Haydn1732 - 1809
Musical ExampleMusical Example
Symphony No. 94 in G (“Surprise”)
by F.J. Haydn
Symphony No. 94 in G (“Surprise”)
by F.J. Haydn
Second Movement - Andante
Musical ExampleMusical Example
Symphony No. 101 in D (“Clock”)
by F.J. Haydn
Symphony No. 101 in D (“Clock”)
by F.J. Haydn
Second Movement - Andante
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart1756 - 1791
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart1756 - 1791
Musical ExampleMusical Example
Symphony No. 41 in C K.550 (“Jupiter”)
by W.A. Mozart
Symphony No. 41 in C K.550 (“Jupiter”)
by W.A. Mozart
First Movement – Allegro Vivace
Sonata Allegro Form
Ludwig van Beethoven1770 - 1827
Ludwig van Beethoven1770 - 1827
Musical ExampleMusical Example
Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op.67
by L.V. Beethoven
Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op.67
by L.V. BeethovenFirst Movement – Allegro con Brio
uses short “motif” as main theme
The EndThe End
