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The Classical Period
The Classical Period (1750 - 1820)
In the middle of the 18th century, Europe began to move to a new style in architecture, literature, and the arts generally, known as Classicism. Rather than complex and decorative structure in the Baroque Period, this period has a cleaner style, one that favored clearer divisions between parts, brighter contrasts and colors, and simplicity rather than complexity.
Characteristics of music in the Classical Period:
Tonality : Diatonic keys .
Harmony : Major and minor system, principal chords were used more often, the pattern of the harmonic accompaniments are kept simple : Chordal Form, Broken Arpeggio, Alberti Bass. Increased use of modulation as structural basis.
Melody : The melodic lines were simpler and more diatonic as compared to the Baroque Period. Melodies built on motives, and short phrases. Phrases often very regular in length.
Texture : Homophonic in nature. Polyphonic was less important than before.
Dynamic : The range in dynamic is narrow but is definitely much wider and more dramatic as compared to the Baroque Period.
Rhythm : Clear meters and less rhythmic variety.
Timbre : Instrumental music more prominent than vocal. Larger and more standard orchestra without continuo.
Forms : Minuet and trio, rondo, sonata-allegro, sonatina, theme and variations.
Keyboard Instruments : The pianoforte and harpsichord were used
Famous composer in this period:
C.P.E Bach
Haydn
Mozart
Beethoven
In the middle of the 18th century, Europe began to move to a new style in architecture, literature, and the arts generally, known as Classicism. Rather than complex and decorative structure in the Baroque Period, this period has a cleaner style, one that favored clearer divisions between parts, brighter contrasts and colors, and simplicity rather than complexity.
Characteristics of music in the Classical Period:
Famous composer in this period:
