Characteristics of Classical Music
Rise of the Middle Class
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The Public Concert
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Music Publishing
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Music Lessons
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Free-Lance Composers
Accessible to General Public
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Reaction to Baroque
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Easy Listening
Homophonic Texture
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Single Melody with Accomplishment
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Memorable Melody
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Simple Accompaniment
Balance
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2 or 4 bar phrases
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Arranged into symmetrical patterns
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Patterns make it easy for listener
Alberti Bass Line
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Described as “Light” and “Lively”
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Accomplishment made up of a living pattern of short notes
Genres:
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Opera
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Symphony
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String Quartet
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Sonata
Opera:
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Vocalist
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Orchestra
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Example:
Mozart’s The Magic Flute, Aria
Symphony
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Woodwinds
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Strings
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Brass
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Percussion
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Example:
Haydn’s Surprise Symphony (1791)
String Quartet
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Violin 1
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Violin 2
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Viola
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Cello
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Example:
Haydn’s String Quartet NO.3 (1772)
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This considered
chamber music
Sonata
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Keyboard instrument alone
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Keyboard with another instrument (example is violin or flute)
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Example:
Mozart’s Sonata for Piano No.15 in F Major (1788)
The Classical Orchestra
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8-12 Violins
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