The Classical Music Period: Approximately 1750-1820

The Classical music period was a time of great change and progress. This is reflected in the music itself, which went through a number of changes. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at what made this period so special.

The Classical Music Period: Approximately 1750-1820

The Classical period was an era of classical music between the mid-18th and early 19th centuries. Classical music has a lighter, clearer texture than Baroque music and is less complex. It is mainly homophonic, using a clear melody line over a subordinate chordal accompaniment, but counterpoint was by no means forgotten, especially later in the period.

The late Baroque period and the shift to the Classical style

he late Baroque period, which lasted from approximately 1690 to 1750, was characterized by increased ornamentation. This period is sometimes referred to as the “rococo,” meaning “corrupted rocaille.” In fashion, architecture, and the decorative arts, curved lines and shell-like motifs were highly fashionable.

In music, the increased use of ornamentation was a response to the growing popularity of instrumental music. Audiences were no longer content to listen to music without being visually stimulated, so composers began to write pieces that incorporated more and more embellishments. This trend reached its height in the works of Johann Sebastian Bach and Antonio Vivaldi, both of whom wrote highly ornate pieces that showcased their virtuoso skills on the violin.

However, by the middle of the 18th century, a new style of music was beginning to emerge. This style was characterized by a greater focus on melody and harmony and a simpler overall structure. This shift away from complex ornamentation came to be known as the Classical style, and it marks the beginning of what is often considered the greatest era in Western classical music. The most famous composer of this period was Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, who wrote masterpieces in virtually every genre.

The major composers of the Classical period

The Classical period saw the emergence of some of the most important composers in Western history, including Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven, and Johann Sebastian Bach. This was a period of significant change in music, as the focus shifted from intricate polyphony to melody and harmony. The music of the Classical period is characterized by beautiful melodies, balance and symmetry, and a focus on reason and order.

The major works of the Classical period

The major works of the Classical period were marked by a light, elegant style and form that avoided the extremes of the previous Baroque and Rococo periods. The music of Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven is representative of this style.

One of the most important innovations of the Classical period was the development of sonata form. This new form for composition allowed for greater expressive potential than the previously favored binary form (which consisted of two repeating sections). Sonata form ultimately became the standard for all future symphonies, concerti, and other large-scale works.

The symphony also emerged as a distinct genre during the Classical period. Although baroque composers such as Vivaldi had written works that could be considered symphonies, it was not until Haydn’s time that the genre truly began to develop its own identity. Haydn’s Symphonies Nos. 94 (“Surprise”) and 103 (“Drumroll”) are prime examples of early classical symphonic style.

The piano concerto also reached new heights during this time period, with Mozart’s Concerto No. 21 in C Major (“Elvira Madigan”) being one of the most beloved examples from this era.

The Late Classical Period: Approximately 1790-1820

The late Classical period was a time of transition between the Classical and Romantic eras in Western music. The late Classical period saw a sharp increase in the use of chromaticism, dissonance, and tonality. This section will explore the late Classical period in more detail.

The major composers of the Late Classical period

There were many major composers of the Late Classical period, including Joseph Haydn, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and Ludwig van Beethoven. These composers were some of the most prolific and renowned of their time, and their work continues to be performed and loved today.

Haydn is often credited as being the father of the Symphony, and his work in this genre is some of the most well-known and influential in all of classical music. He also wrote a great deal of chamber music, which was extremely popular in his day. Mozart is revered as one of the greatest composers of all time, and his work is characterized by its elegance, grace, and melodic beauty. Beethoven is considered one of the most important figures in Western art music, and his work marks a significant transition from the Classical to the Romantic period. His pieces are often marked by their intensity and emotional power.

The major works of the Late Classical period

The major works of the Late Classical period include:
-Beethoven’s “Eroica” Symphony
-Mozart’s opera “Don Giovanni”
-Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-flat major, Op. 73
-Mozart’s Symphony No. 40 in G minor, K. 550