MUSIC OF THE CLASSICAL PERIOD (1750-1820)

The classical era, also called “Age of Reason”, is the period from 1750-1820. The cultural life was dominated by the
aristocracy, as patrons of musicians and artists who generally influenced the arts. Significant changes in musical forms
and styles were made.
In the middle of the 18th century, Europe began to move toward a new style in architecture, literature, and the arts, known
as Classicism. It was also pushed forward by changes in the economic order and in social structure. Instrumental music
was patronized primarily by the nobility.
Important historical events that occurred in the West during this era were the French Revolution and the Napoleonic
Wars, the American Declaration of Independence in 1776 and the American Revolution.
The term “classical” denotes conformity with the principles and characteristics of ancient Greece and Roman literature
and art which were formal, elegant, simple, freed and dignified. The same characteristics may also describe the melodies
of classical music. Harmony and texture is homophonic in general. The dynamics of loud and soft were clearly shown
through the extensive use of crescendo and diminuendo. A style of broken chord accompaniment called, Alberti Bass was
practiced.
The great composers of the period were: Franz Joseph Haydn, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and Ludwig Van Beethoven.
Sonata, Concerto, and Symphony are the instrumental forms developed during this era while Opera Seria and Opera
Buffa are the two vocal forms.

COMPOSERS OF THE CLASSICAL PERIOD:

FRANZ JOSEPH HAYDN (1732-1809)

Franz Joseph Haydn is one of the most prominent composers of the classical period. His
life is described as a “rags-to-riches” story. He came from a poor family and his music led
to his rise in social status. He was hired by rich patrons and eventually became a musical
director for the Esterhazy family for 30 years. His music reflects his character and
personality: mainly calm, balanced, serious but with touches of humor. He was able to
compose over 100 symphonies and developed them into long forms for a large
orchestra. He was named, “Father of the Symphony” although he excelled in every music
genre of the period. Most of his symphonies have nicknames such as the “Surprise
Symphony”, “The Clock”, “The Military”. He also wrote chamber piano music and choral
works.

WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART (1756-1791)

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is a child prodigy and the most amazing genius in musical
history. At age five, he was already playing the violin and the harpsichord; at six, he was
recognized as an exceptional pianist and, at seven, he was already composing excellent
music. At age thirteen, he had written sonatas, concertos, symphonies, religious works,
and operas and operettas.
He experimented in all kinds of music and composed over 700 works. Unfortunately, due
to mismanaged finances he lived his life in poverty, died young and was buried in an
unknown grave. He composed wonderful concertos, symphonies and opera such as “The
Marriage of Figaro” (1786), “Don Giovanni (1789), and “The Magic Flute” which became
popular. Other known works: Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, Symphony No. 40 in G Major, and
Sonata No. 11 in A Major K311.

LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN (1770-1827)

Ludwig Van Beethoven was born in Bonn, Germany to a family of musicians and studied
music at an early age. He was the composer who bridged the late Classical era and the
early Romantic era. He was a talented pianist and composer. His famous compositions
include 32 piano sonatas, 21 set of variations, 9 symphonies, 5 concertos for piano, 16
string quartets and choral music. His works include the “Missa Solemnis” (1818-1823)
and opera “Fidelio” (1805). His known symphonies are: Symphony No. 3 (Eroica), No. 5,
No. 6 (Pastoral), No. 9 (Choral), which adds voices to the orchestra. He began to go deaf
in 1796 but this did not become a hindrance. He continued composing through the help
of an assistant and hearing gadget. Some of his famous compositions were made when
he was deaf.

In the middle of the 18th century, Europe began to move toward a new style in architecture, literature, and the arts,
known as Classicism. It was also pushed forward by changes in the economic order and in social structure. Instrumental
music was patronized primarily by the nobility.

VOCAL and INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC

SONATA
A multi-movement work for solo instrument, Sonata came from the word “Sonare” which means to make
a sound. This term is applied to a variety of works for a solo instrument such as keyboard or violin.
 1st Movement: Allegro – fast movement
2nd Movement: Slow tempo: (Andante, Largo, etc.), mostly lyrical and emotional.
3rd Movement: Minuet: It is in three-four time and in a moderate or fast tempo.

SONATA ALLEGRO FORM

The most important form that developed during the classical era consists of 3 distinct sections: Exposition,
Development and Recapitulation.
1. Exposition - the first part of a composition in sonata form that introduces the theme
2. Recapitulation - repeats the theme as they first emerge in the opening exposition

CONCERTO
Concerto is a multi-movement work designed for an instrumental soloist and orchestra. It is a classical form of music
intended primarily to emphasize the individuality of the solo instrument and to exhibit the virtuosity and interpretative
abilities of the performer. The solo instruments in classical concertos include violin, cello, clarinet, bassoon, trumpet, horn
and piano. A concerto has three movements: fast, slow, and fast.
3 movements:
1st Movement: Fast: Sonata-allegro form with expositions of the orchestra and then by the soloist.
2nd Movement: Slow: Has more ornamentation than the First movement.
3rd Movement: Fast: Finale: usually in a form of rondo, resembling the last movement of the symphony and usually a
short cadenza is used.

SYMPHONY
A multi-movement work for orchestra, the symphony is derived from the word “Sinfonia” which literally means “a
harmonious sounding together”. It is a classical music for the whole orchestra, generally in four movements.
4 movements of the symphony:
1st Movement: Fast: Sonata-allegro form
2nd Movement: Slow : gentle, lyrical – typical ABA form or theme and variation
3rd Movement: Medium/Fast: uses a dance form (Minuet or scherzo)
4th Movement: Fast: typically Rondo or Sonata form

CLASSICAL OPERA
Opera is a drama set to music where singers and musicians perform in a theatrical setting. The two distinct styles of
opera, Opera Seria and Opera Buffa, were developed during the Classical Period. The Opera Seria (serious opera)
usually implies heroic or tragic drama that employs mythological characters, which was inherited from the Baroque period.
“Idomeneo” by Mozart is an example of Opera Seria. The Opera Buffa (comic opera) from Italy made use of everyday
characters and situations, and typically employed spoken dialogues, lengthy arias and was spiced with sight gags,
naughty humor and social satire. “The Marriage of Figaro”, “Don Giovanni”, and “The Magic Flute” are examples of
popular Opera Buffa by Mozart.

GROUP ACTIVITY:
“Commercial Break”
Procedure:
1. You will be divided into 4 groups.
2. Each group will be assigned to advertise a product of your own choice wherein classical music will be used
as background music.
3. You will perform in front of the class.
Criteria for grading:
1. Choice of music (must be a Classical Period piece and appropriate for the product) --------- 30%
2. Originality (use of own concept) --------- 40%
3. Creativity (use of props, costumes) --------- 30%
T O T A L 100%

GROUP ACTIVITY:
“STORY SINGING”
Procedure:
1. You will be divided into 4 groups.
2. Each group will create an original story and turn it into a song by adapting a tune or music (of their
choice) of the Classical era.
3. You can create or improvise an instrumental or rhythmic accompaniment for your song.
4. You will perform in front of the class.
Criteria for grading:
1. Choice of music (must be classical and appropriate) --------- 30%
2. Originality (content of lyrics) --------- 30%
3. Voice Quality (pitch, projection) --------- 40%
T O T A L 100%
AA r t s o f t h e R e n a i s s a n c e a n d B a r o q u e P e r i o d r t s o f t h e R e n a i s s a n c e a n d B a r o q u e P e r i o d
Renaissance Period (1400-1600)
Renaissance was the period of economic progress. The period stirred enthusiasm for the study of
ancient philosophy and artistic values.
Italian Renaissance began in the late 14th century. It was an era of great artistic and intellectual
achievement with the birth of secular art. The focus was on realistic and humanistic art.
Renaissance art was characterized by accurate anatomy, scientific perspective, and deeper landscape.
Renaissance painters depicted real-life figures and their sculptures were naturalistic portraits of human
beings.
Architecture during this period was characterized by its symmetry and balance.
As the classical Greeks believed in the harmonious development of the person through a sound mind, by
the practice of athletics, the Renaissance held up the ideal of the well-rounded man, knowledgeable in a
number of fields such as philosophy, science, arts, including painting and music – and who applies his
knowledge to productive and creative activity.
The Renaissance was a period of artistic experimentation. It brought man into a full view just like the
human figure in Greek Art.
Renaissance art marks the transition of Europe from the medieval period to the early modern age. In
many parts of Europe, Early Renaissance art was created in parallel with Late Medieval art. By 1500, the
Renaissance style prevailed.
The greatest cathedral building of the age was the rebuilding of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.

“My Own Creation with Baroque Design”

Materials: ¼ illustration board, old magazines, glue, pencil
Procedure:
1. Illustrate or imitate the facade using the materials.
2. Cut the magazines into strips.
3. Paste it on the design of the facade you made.