The Classical Era

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The Classical Era

• 1750-1820

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Classicism

• Classicism, in the arts, refers generally to a
  high regard for classical antiquity (arts,
  architecture, etc.), as setting standards for
  taste which the classicist seeks to emulate. The
  art of classicism typically seeks to be formal
  and restrained en.Wikipedia.org

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Classical origins - Architecture

• From the point of view of modern times, the
  ancient civilizations of the Mediterranean
  sometimes seem to blend smoothly into one mix we
  call the Classical.
• Further divided, the period includes
• Greek architecture
• Hellenistic architecture
• Roman architecture

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Greek Classicism
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Classical influence

• The clean and simple style of the ancient
  classical period appealed to people who were
  looking for new ideas and direction
• Artists (architects, composers, painters, etc.)
  began to mimic the clean lines and style of
  ancient classicism

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Schonbrunn Palace, Vienna
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Belvedere Palace, Vienna
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Socio-Economic Structure

• The aristocracy (ruled by the best) is the
  dominant force of the time and are the primary
  patrons of the arts.
• Music is driven by this patronage composers are
  hired by royalty to work in-house (court
  composer), emperors employ composers, and music
  is written to please these patrons, who desire
  impersonal but tuneful and elegant music
• Class division intensifies

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Socio-economic cont

• Sacred (religious) music still exists, but is
  supplanted by secular (non-religious) music as
  the primary outlet for composers
• Public concerts grow in popularity

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Homophony

• Dominant melody with accompanying voices
• Much simpler and cleaner than polyphony

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Musical Changes

• Music was written for specific ensembles and
  instruments
• Musical elements were much more clearly defined
• Form became much more clearly defined Sonata,
  Concerto
• Technological developments clarinet, brass (but
  no valves, yet)

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Sonata Form

• The most popular form of the classical era
• Introduction optional
• Exposition Subject (in home key), transition
  (to a new key), Subject II (in a different key
  usually the dominant), Codetta
• Development Thematic and harmonic development
  takes place, then retransitions to the main key
• Recapitulation Restatement of all original
  subjects, now all in the home key
• Coda

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Vienna

• Musically, the centre of the universe in the 17th
  century
• Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven all lived most of
  their musical lives in this city
• Beethoven is buried here