In what time period did the Classical Era take place?
1750-1825
- refers to the cultures of ancient Roma and Greece as well as the art, architecture and music of the late 18th century
- adheres to principles of symmetry, balance, and proportion
- emphasis on excellence, enduring value, and timeless quality
Classicism
- refers to the musical style forged by Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven and their contemporaries.
- in late 18th century Vienna, Austria flourished as a musical center
Viennese school
- instrumental music without extramusical associations
- also known as “pure music”
- generic titles reflecting tempos, genres, or forms; for example, sonata, allegretto, menuet, rondo
Absolute music
- formal structure often used in the first movement of a sonata cycle
- consists of exposition (statement of 2 or more contrasting themes), development (departure), and recapitulation (return)
sonata form
- also known as sonata-allegro form
sonata form
- the first main section in sonata form
- two contrasting themes are stated
- the first theme is in the tonic key
- the second theme (or themes) are in a contrasting key, generally in the dominant or relative major
exposition
- the second main section in sonata form
- themes from the exposition are manipulated through fragmentation, sequential treatment, or changes to orchestration
- modulations and increased harmonic tension
- new themes may also be introduced
development
recapitulation
- the third main section in sonata form
- first and second themes are both restated in the tonic
coda
- latin for “tail” (cauda)
- a concluding section reaffirming the tonic key
- multi-movement structure that emerged in the Classical era
- demonstrated in the symphony, sonata, or concerto
sonata cycle
- music for small ensemble (2-10 players)
- 1 player per part
- usually performed without a conductor
chamber music
- the most important chamber music genre of the Classical era
- performing forces: first violin, second violin, viola, and cello
- usually in 4 movements: fast - slow - moderately fast - fast
- first movement is usually in sonata form
string quartet
- a work featuring a statement of a melody (theme) followed by a series of transformations (variations)
- changes can be made to melody, harmony, rhythm, or orchestration
- often used in the slow movement of a sonata cycle
theme and variations
- a multi-movement orchestral genre
- for small orchestra or chamber ensemble
- popular instrumental genre in the classical era
- often performed in aristocratic social settings and at outdoor events
serenade
- rapidly ascending melody outlining an arpeggio
- often used as a dramatic opening motive in Classical-era works
rocket theme
Menuet
- a stylized dance of French origin developed in the Baroque era
- in triple meter
Trio
contrasting middle section
Menuet and trio
- in triple meter
- graceful, elegant character
- ternary form (ABA)
- two-part form: A || B + A1 ||
- opening material from section 1 returns after B material
Rounded Binary Form
key structure similar to binary form
- Classical formal structure often used in sonata cycle
- section A recurs, with alternating sections creating a contrast
- Section A is heard 3 times or more in the tonic key
- ABACA or ABACABA
Rondo Form
- typical layout: ABACABA (ABA functions as the exposition; C functions as the development; second ABA functions as the recapitulation)
Sonata - Rondo Form (aka “Rondo - Sonata” Form)
combines elements of sonata form and rondo form
- a multi-movement orchestral work originating in the 18th century
- usually in four movements: fast - slow - moderate - fast
- at least 1 movement is in sonata form
Symphony
- material heard in one mvmt recurs in later mvmts
- creates structural unity in a multi-movement work
cyclical structure
