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AOS1 . Learning Objectives . To know the dates of the Classical period and name popular Classical composers T o understand the main features of Classical music and instruments used T o distinguish between Classical music and other types of music . Instruments .
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Learning Objectives To know the dates of the Classical period and name popular Classical composers To understand the main features of Classical music and instruments used To distinguish between Classical music and other types of music
Instruments • In the Classical period although the strings were still the backbone of the orchestra, the woodwind became more important and formed its own section in the orchestra. • There would usually be two flutes, two oboes, two bassoons and later two clarinets. • Brass instruments were also more prominent and a typical brass section would now contain trumpets, and French horns with trombones being added later on during the Classical period. • The percussion section remained fairly straightforward with the timpani. • The continuo player was now no longer considered necessary and the orchestra was for the first time directed from the front by a conductor.
Chamber Music • Originally, chamber music referred to a type of classical music that was performed in a small space such as a house or a palace room. • The number of instruments used were also few without a conductor to guide the musicians. • Because of the limited number of instruments, each instrument plays an equally important role.
Changing Textures • Baroque Music uses mainly complicated polyphonic textures • Classical sees a change of texture, with most music being homophonic, based on melody and accompaniment • However, polyphony was also used
Structure and form • Deliberate move from over the top and ornate Baroque ideals • Uses clear cut and balanced structure and is very symmetrical, like the Greek and Roman inspired architecture of the time • Simplicity and clear melodic lines with balanced musical phrases (0ften 8 bars)
Classical Composers • 1750-1830 • Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-91) • Franz Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) • Ludwig Van Beethoven (1770-1827) Beethoven actually spanned two periods of music, his early music was in the Classical period, but his work from the turn of the century was very much Romantic in spirit
Tonality • Structures were defined by clear-cut key signatures with regular cadences • Functional harmony, based around chords I,IV,V,II and VI.
