Music

• The classical era, also called "Age of Reason" is dated 1750-1820.
• The classical era is called the Age of Reason because it emphasized reason over superstition and science over blind faith.
• The cultural life was dominated by aristocracy.
• Instrumental music was primarily patronized by nobility.
• The term "Classical" denotes conformity with the principles/characteristics of Roman and Ancient Greek.
• In classical music, harmony and texture is homophonic in general.
• In classical music, they used crescendo and diminuendo extensively to show dynamics.
• In the middle of the 18th Century, Europe began to move toward a new style or known as classicism.
• As patrons of musicians and artists generally influenced the arts, there were significant changes.
• A style of broken chord accompaniment called Alberti Bass was practiced.
• Great Composers of Classical Era:

  • Franz Joseph Haydn
  • Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
  • Ludwig Van Beethoven
• Sonata, Concerto, and Symphony are instrumental forms developed during the Classical Era.
• Opera Seria and Opera Buffa are the two vocal forms developed during the Classical Era.
• Haydn's life was described as a rags-to-riches story.
• Franz Joseph Haydn was hired by rich patrons and became a musical director of the Esterhazy family for 30 years.
• Haydn's music reflects himself: mainly calm, balanced, serious, but with touches of humor. He was able to compose 100 symphonies into long forms for a large orchestra.
• Father of Symphony and String Quartet

  Franz Joseph Haydn
• The Clock, The Military, Surprise Symphony

  Franz Joseph Haydn
• Franz Joseph Haydn wrote chamber piano music and choral works. He also established the symphony, string quartet, piano trio, and sonata-allegro.
• Haydn's influence was immense and affected the music of Mozart, Beethoven, and many more.
• Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is a child prodigy and the most amazing genius in musical history.
• At the age of five, Mozart was already playing the violin and harpsichord.
• At the age of six, he was recognized as an exceptional pianist.
• At the age of seven, Mozart was already composing music.
• At age thirteen, Mozart had written many musical works.
• Mozart composed over 700 works that included wonderful concertos, symphonies, and operas.
• Unfortunately, Mozart lived his life in poverty, died at 35, and was buried in an unmarked grave.
• The Marriage of Figaro, Don Giovanni, The Magic Flute

  Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
• Ludwig Van Beethoven was born in Bonn, Germany to a family of musicians.
• Ludwig Van Beethoven was the composer who bridged the late Classical Era and early Romantic Era.
• Beethoven studied music under Haydn at an early age.
• Fur Elise, Missa Solemnis, Fidelio, Eroica, Choral

  Ludwig Van Beethoven
• Beethoven began to go deaf in 1796 but he continued using an assistant and hearing gadgets. Some of his compositions was made while he was deaf.
• Sonata is a multi-movement work for solo instrument such as violins or keyboard.
• Sonata came from the word "sonare" which means "to make a sound".
• Three movements of Sonata:

  1st movement: Allegro - Fast

  2nd movement: Andante - Slow

  3rd movement: Minuet - Moderate/Fast
• Sections of Sonata-Allegro:

  1. Exposition - Introduction of theme
  2. Development - Middle part, theme development
  3. Recapitulation - Repeats/restates the theme
• Concerto is a multi-movement work for a soloist and orchestra. It is intended to emphasize the individuality of the soloist.
• Three movements of Concerto:

  1st movement: Allegro - Fast

  2nd movement: Andante - Slow

  3rd movement: Finale: Allegro/Rondo - Fast
• Symphony is a multi-movement work for orchestra.