The Classical Symphony

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The Classical Symphony
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Classical Symphony

• Great contribution of the classical period
• Symphonies still written today
• Haydn 104
• Mozart 41
• Beethoven 9

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Written for various occasions

• Haydn On demand for performance at court
• Beethoven When he was inspired, for performance
  in large theaters
  

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4 movements

• Each movement is a self contained composition
• Each movement has its own themes
• Rarely, themes will reappear in later movements

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Form

• 1. Fast Sonata Form
• 2. Slow
• 3. Minuet and Trio (in triple meter)
• Moderate to fast tempo
• 4. Fast Sonata Form

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Classical Concerto

• One instrumental soloist and orchestra
• Contrast
• Wide range of orchestra tone colors and dynamics
• Soloist virtuoso abilities and tone color

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Favored Instruments

• Piano and violin
• Others (could be any instrument)
• Clarinet
• Bassoon
• Trumpet
• Cello
• Horn

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Beethoven and Mozart

• Virtuoso pianists
• Wrote concertos for their own use

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3 Movements

• 1. Fast (Sonata form)
• 2. Slow
• 3. Fast

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Cadenza

• Unaccompanied showpiece for soloist
• No orchestra
• Near the end of the movement
• 1st and/or 3rd movements
• Orchestra builds to a sustained chord, then stops
  and lets soloist take over
  
• Mozart Flute Concerto Cadenza 630