Classical concerto

• Composers


  Mozart

  Haydn

  Clementi

  C.P.E. Bach
• Classical concerto


  Tastes moved towards a simpler sound.

  Instruments developed.

  Moved away from polyphonic to homophonic.

  Move towards more subtle dynamics.

  No concerto grosso.

  Sonata developed.

  Binary, ternary, theme and variation and rondo forms used.

  Invention of the piano and piano became more popular than the harpsichord.

  Conductor is introduced.
• Classical orchestra


  Piano introduced and replaced harpsichord.

  Much larger orchestra.

  Double woodwind.

  Valves were present on trumpets.

  Clarinets were developed.

  The percussion section grew.

  Woodwind instruments filled out the harmonies.

  Melody and accompaniment was the predominant texture - homophonic.

  Balanced phrasing, usually in 4 or 8 bars with question and answer phrases.

  Melody usually in the first violins.

  Harmony and tonality was diatonic - modulations to closely related keys.
• Classical period

  • Functional - diatonic (use of the notes of the scale of the key)
  • Use of primary chords
  • Finishes with cadences
• Diatonic


  Use of the notes of the scale of the key
• Chromatic


  The opposite of diatonic
• Alberti bass


  Used in piano music and orchestral accompaniment
• Classical period


  • Dynamic ranges increased
  • Introduction of crescendos and diminuendos
• Composers worked for royalty and aristocrats at the start of the classical period
• Later in the period, society changed and concert halls were built
• This gave composers more freedom so they could write for the tastes of the public and earn money from ticket sales
• Classical concerto structures


  The classical concerto developed from the baroque solo concerto.

  The classical concerto still has three movements but they are all longer than the movements in the baroque period.

  The cadenza was introduced into the concerto, usually towards the end.

  First movement - Sonata form - brisk.

  Second movement - Ternary or theme and variations form - slower.

  Third movement - Rondo, theme and variations or sonata form - fast.
• Sonata form


  A format in which pieces are written
• Sonata form

  1. Exposition

  2. Development

  3. Recapitulation
• Exposition


  • Exposes the main themes
  • Ends in a different but related key to the one it started in
• Development


  • Extracts from themes of the previous section are developed
  • Explores variations of them and presents them in various different keys
  • Lots of modulations
• Recapitulation


  • Themes are recapped
  • Exposition themes repeated, often modified slightly and sometimes in a different but related key
  • Pulls the piece together
• Concerto in sonata form


  • Usually repeats the exposition (Double exposition)
  • The recapitulation is often followed by a cadenza
• What time period does the Classical Concerto cover?

  1750-1820
• How did the concerto evolve during the Classical period?

  It evolved into a more balanced form with a clear distinction between soloist and orchestra.
• What are the key features of the Classical concerto?

  • Sonata Form: Exposition, development, recapitulation
  • Homophonic Texture: Clearer melodic lines
  • Cadenzas: Unaccompanied solo passages, often improvised
  • Balanced Phrases: Regular, symmetrical phrasing
  • Dynamic Contrasts: Gradual crescendos and decrescendos
• What is the structure of Sonata Form used in the first movement of a concerto?

  Exposition, development, and recapitulation.
• What characterizes the texture of Classical concertos compared to the Baroque period?

  Classical concertos have clearer melodic lines and simpler textures.
• What are cadenzas in the context of Classical concertos?

  Unaccompanied solo passages that allow the performer to show their virtuosity.
• How were cadenzas typically treated during the Classical period?

  They were often improvised by the performer.
• What is meant by balanced phrases in Classical concertos?

  Regular, symmetrical phrasing.
• What type of dynamic contrasts are found in Classical concertos?

  More gradual crescendos and decrescendos than in the Baroque period.
• Who are the key composers of the Classical concerto?

  • Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: 27 piano concertos
  • Joseph Haydn: Known for the Trumpet Concerto in E-flat
  • Ludwig van Beethoven: Expanded the concerto’s scale and drama
• How many piano concertos did Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart write?

  27 piano concertos.
• What is notable about Joseph Haydn's Trumpet Concerto in E-flat?

  It showcases instrumental development.
• What is significant about Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 5, also known as the "Emperor" Concerto?

  It expanded the concerto’s scale and drama.