Classical Music for Easter
Contents
Looking for some classical music to help set the mood this Easter? Check out our top picks for the best pieces to help celebrate the holiday!
Origins of Classical Music
Classical music is a genre of art music that developed in Europe during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. It is characterized by complex structures and harmonies, and a focus on melody and counterpoint.
The Baroque Period
The Baroque period of classical music is generally considered to have run from 1600 to 1750, although some scholars extend it to as late as the 1760s. The early Baroque period (1600-1630) was a time of experimentation and change, with new ideas and styles spreading rapidly throughout Europe. The most important figure of the early Baroque was the Italian composer Claudio Monteverdi, who wrote ground-breaking works such as his operas L’Orfeo (1607) and L’incoronazione di Poppea (1642). Other important early Baroque composers include the Germans Heinrich Schütz and Johann Hermann Schein, and the Englishman John Dowland.
The middle Baroque period (1630-1680) was marked by increased stability and a flowering of creative genius. Many of the greatest composers of the Baroque era were active during this time, including Johann Sebastian Bach, George Frideric Handel, Antonio Vivaldi, Arcangelo Corelli, Alessandro Scarlatti, François Couperin, Jean-Philippe Rameau and Dieterich Buxtehude. This was also the era when opera began to take its modern form, with works such as Cavalli’s La Calisto (1651), Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas (1689) andHandel’s Giulio Cesare (1724).
The late Baroque period (1680-1750) saw a continued development of musical style, with more complex harmonic language and an increased use of dynamics and contrast. The greatest composer of the late Baroque era was Johann Sebastian Bach, whose massive output included some of the most profound works in all of classical music, such as The Well-Tempered Clavier (1722), the Brandenburg Concertos (1721) and his unfinished masterwork, The Art of Fugue (1742). Other important late Baroque composers include Henry Purcell in England, Domenico Scarlatti in Italy and Georg Philipp Telemann in Germany.
The Classical Period
The Classical period was an era of classical music between roughly 1730 and 1820. The Classical period falls between the Baroque and the Romantic periods. 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 major innovation of the Classical era was the development of form. Important Forms that developed during this time were sonata form, symphony, concerto grosso, and opera buffa. The sonata form is a musical composition for one or two instruments in three parts. The first part, called the Exposition, introduces the primary melodic and harmonic themes. The second part, called the Development, explores these themes by expanding them and by introducing new material; in sonata form this section is usually repeatable at least once. The third part is called the Recapitulation; it restates the themes of the Exposition in order to bring back a sense of resolution and finality to the work.
Classical music was created by professional composers who wrote concertigrossi (for multiple instruments), symphonies (for orchestra), or sonatas (for one or two performers). Many of these pieces were published so that they could be performed by amateurs as well as professionals. Amateur performers included people from all walks of life including aristocrats, wealthy merchants, and even some middle-class citizens who could afford to purchase instruments and take lessons.
The Romantic Period
The Romantic period was one of the most important and influential periods in Western classical music. It spanned from about 1815 to 1910 and encompassed the works of some of the most famous composers in history, including Beethoven, Chopin, Schumann, Brahms, and Tchaikovsky.
During this time, composers began to experiment with new ways of expression and form. They were influenced by folk music, art song, and world music, and they sought to evoke strong emotions in their listeners. The result was a rich tapestry of beautiful and groundbreaking music that is still beloved by classical fans today.
Popular Classical Pieces for Easter
Easter is a holiday that many people celebrate with religious ceremonies and family gatherings. Classical music can be a great addition to any Easter celebration. Here are some popular classical pieces that are perfect for Easter.
Johann Sebastian Bach – “Easter Oratorio”
The “Easter Oratorio” (German: Oster-Oratorium), BWV 249, is a church cantata by Johann Sebastian Bach. He composed the work in 1734 for the Easter service at Leipzig’s Nikolaikirche, and it was first performed on 1 April 1735. It is one of his choral works based on libretti by Picander.
Bach structured the oratorio in six parts, which were intended to be performed over the course of three days. It begins with an instrumental sinfonia, followed by Part I on Easter Sunday, which describes the resurrection of Jesus. On Easter Monday, Part II depicts Mary Magdalene and the other women at the tomb of Jesus. On Easter Tuesday, Part III relates Jesus’ appearances to his disciples.
George Frideric Handel – “Messiah”
George Frideric Handel’s “Messiah” is one of the most popular classical pieces performed during the Easter season. The work features some of Handel’s most well-known and loved melodies, including the “Hallelujah” chorus. “Messiah” is a perfect way to set the tone for a reverent and joyous Easter celebration.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – “Requiem”
One of the most popular pieces of classical music for Easter is Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s “Requiem.” This piece was composed in 1791, and is a mass for the dead. “Requiem” is Latin for “rest,” and this piece is meant to be a prayer for the dead. The “Requiem” is scored for two violins, two violas, two cellos, bassoon, trumpets, timpani, and strings.
Contemporary Classical Pieces for Easter
Easter is a time for renewal and hope. What better way to celebrate than with some beautiful classical music? We’ve put together a list of contemporary classical pieces that are perfect for setting the mood on Easter morning.
John Tavener – “The Lamb”
“The Lamb” is a short choral work by the British composer John Tavener. It was first performed in 1982, and has become one of Tavener’s best-known works. The piece is based on a poem by William Blake from his collection Songs of Innocence and of Experience. The text is written in Blake’s typical manner, with the words of the child narrator placed above those of the adult.
The music is written for mixed choir, with divisions into soprano, alto, tenor and bass. It is mostly homophonic, with the exception of a few more active moments near the end. The harmony is mostly diatonic, with some chromaticism near the end as well. The overall effect is very peaceful and serene, befitting the subject matter.
Karl Jenkins – “The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace”
Karl Jenkins’ “The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace” is a contemporary classical piece written in 2000. The work was commissioned by the Royal Armouries Museum to mark the new millennium, and it is based on the traditional Catholic Mass. The piece is in three parts: “Kadosh”, “Sanctus”, and ” Benedictus”. It is scored for mixed choir, brass band, and percussion.
Jenkins’ “The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace” has become one of the most popular contemporary classical pieces of recent years. It has been performed all over the world, and recorded by many different artists.
Arvo Pärt – “Passio”
Arvo Pärt’s “Passio” is a contemporary setting of the Passion of Christ, scored for string orchestra, mixed choir, and soloists. It was first performed in 1982. This haunting and beautiful work is perfect for Easter Sunday worship.
