(MBCP) Classical Period Music Lesson

Classical Period Music Lesson

Classical music has a lighter, clearer texture than Baroque music and is less complex. It is mainly homophonic — melody above chordal accompaniment but counterpoint (a relationship between voices that are interdependent in rhythm and contour) is by no means forgotten, especially later in the period.

Variety and contrast within a piece became more pronounced than before. Variety of keys, melodies, rhythms and dynamics, along with frequent changes of mood and timbre were more commonplace in the Classical period than they had been in the Baroque. Melodies tended to be shorter than those of Baroque music, with clear-cut phrases and clearly marked cadences (phrase ending harmonic progressions). The Orchestra increased in size and range; the harpsichord continuo fell out of use, and the woodwind became a self-contained section. As a solo instrument, the harpsichord was replaced by the piano (or fortepiano). Early piano music was light in texture, but it later became richer, more sonorous and more powerful.

Importance was given to instrumental music—the main kinds were sonata, string quartet, symphony and concerto. Sonata form developed and became the most important form. It was used to build up the first movement of most large-scale works, but also other movements and single pieces (such as overtures.)

 

The best-known composers from this period are Joseph Haydn, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and Ludwig van Beethoven. Learn more about each below: 

 

Learn more about the structure of the symphony:

 

[CC BY 4.0] UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED | IMAGES: LICENSED AND USED ACCORDING TO TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION