![]() The entire exposition then repeats, and enters the B section, called the “Development,” where the themes are manipulated in various ways and through various other keys. ![]() The Classical Sonata Allegro form has an A B A’ outline, with the first A section, called the “Exposition,” consisting of a first theme that’s composed in the primary key of the piece, a second theme written in the Dominant key or relative major key, and then a conclusion back in the tonic key. The first movement of the Sonata is in the Classical version of Sonata Allegro form, which developed out of the rounded binary form of the Baroque period. Later string quartets became important vehicles for virtuosic showmanship, requiring greater levels of skill to successfully perform. Prussian King Frederick the Great (1712-1786) was also an avid flautist and composer who used music for courtly events as well as personal entertainment. For example, Haydn wrote many works in which his patron, Prince Nikolaus Esterházy I (1714-1790) played the baryton (a large string instrument related to the string bass). Most commonly, early string quartets and similar chamber music were performed in parlors for the entertainment of the players and close friends-many of which involved amateur players who also happened to be emperors, kings, and princes. Classical Period symphonies become standardized as having a medium string section in four voices:ġst Violin - 2nd Violin - Viola - Cellos and BassesĪnd additionally included wind instruments in pairs:Ģ Flutes - 2 Oboes - 2 Clarinets - 2 Bassoons - 2 French horns - Timpani for percussionĮarly string quartets were closely related to early symphonies, with many compositions able to be performed by a string section of the orchestra or by a string quartet featuring a similar organization of voices: Orchestral instrumentation likewise became standardized during the Classical period, as opposed to earlier periods where composers would simply write for whatever instruments were available at their church or court. The genres of the orchestral symphony and string quartet began during the Classical Period and became essential genres for many composers. In contrapuntal compositions, multiple lines of musical material (melodies) are woven together as independent and equally important “voices.” Check out this example, from Johann Sebastian Bach’s Prelude and Fugue in C-sharp minor, BWV 848. The technique of counterpoint carried over from the vocal polyphonic practices of the Renaissance era and reached some of its greatest heights under the quills of the Baroque composer. As a response, composers in the Classical Period used Baroque genres but focused on formal balance along with memorable and singable melodies. What we’re talking about in this article is the specific time period of that tradition that has been labeled by music historians as the “Classical Period,” lasting from around 1750 to around 1820.Ĭomposers, musicians, and audience members during the Classical Period were reacting to the musical trends of the Baroque Period, which was known for its highly decorated melodies, complicated textures and structures, and emotional extremes. ![]() Generally, what people actually mean when they say classical music is “music of the Western Art Tradition.” “Western Art Music” includes music made from the Middle Ages through the 21st century in Western Europe, North America, and other continents with a history of European colonization. In everyday conversation, “classical music” is a catch-all term for any music that is not Pop, World, or Jazz music. Synonyms for classical include “authoritative” and “traditional” - fitting adjectives for the period that established many of the rules that composers follow even today! Many of the traditional practices of Western Music as we know it were codified during the Classical Period - a reflection of which can be found in the name itself. The Classical Period follows the Baroque and lasts approximately from 1750 to 1820.
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