The Classical ConcertoThe Classical Concerto vs. The Baroque

Similarities:

•Pitting of soloist against larger ensemble

•Three Movement (fast-slow-fast) Form

Differences:

•Larger orchestra

•Greater dramatic weight

•Greater variety in relationship between soloist and orchestra:

•Soloist as Accompanist

•Statement-Response

•More thematic material for soloist

Form in the Classical ConcertoFirst Movement:

A combination of traditional ritornello practices with the principles of Sonata Form

Part I: Orchestra: Ritornello (somewhat like an orchestral exposition, but stays in tonic)

Part II: Soloist: Exposition (modulates)

Part III: Orchestra: Ritornello (in new key)

Part IV: Soloist: Development

Part V: Soloist: Recapitulation (all in tonic) – combines elements from opening ritornello and solo

Part VI: Orchestra: Closing Ritornello (interrupted by soloist’s cadenza)

Second Movement: Slow, same formal conventions available to symphonic slow movementThird Movement: Almost always in Rondo Form

Hausmusik: Chamber Music in the Classical Era

Mozart Family Della Croce

Changing social attitudes, and the influence of Enlightenment thought created a new environment for musical study and music making in the 18th century

Music lessons became a standard part of a child’s education, in aristocratic as well as middle-class families

Reading and performing music became a regular activity within families across the continent

Piano Sonata

Violin Sonata

Piano Trio

String Quartet

String Quintet

Songs

The Classical Sonata

Versus the Baroque Sonata:

The typical Baroque Sonata was a “Trio Sonata” (scored for two violins plus continuo)

Two sonata-types flourished in the Baroque:

•Sonata di chiesa (Church Sonata) – 3 or 4 movements

•Sonata da camera (Chamber Sonata) – 4 or more movements

The popularity of continuo writing waned and the bass began to assert a more independent, melodic role, leading to the practice writing out keyboard parts

The Classical Sonata:

Instrumentation: Solo Keyboard or Violin and Keyboard

Form: Three Movements (Fast[sonata-form]-Slow-Fast)

The String Quartet(Two Violins, Viola, Cello)

A four-movement genre

Movement 1: Fast – Sonata Form

Movement 2: Slow – various forms

Movement 3: Minuet and Trio

Movement 4: Rondo/Sonata Form

Originally the first violin dominated the texture, the other roles playing an accompanimental role

Gradually, the genre evolved in the direction of greater equality amongst the parts – in particular, the cello emerges as a strong player

Formal Schemes for Multi-Movement Genres in the Classical Era

Genres:

Symphony Four Movements

Concerto Three Movements

Sonata Three Movements

String Quartet (and Quintet)

Four Movements

Forms:

Sonata Form First or last movements, also possible for slow movement

Rondo Last movements

Minuet and Trio

Typical third movement of four-movement genre

Possible middle or last movement of three-movement genre

Theme and Variations

Possible for any movement, especially first or last

Wild Card Slow movement