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the Fortepiano
the fortepiano was invented in 1700 by Bartolomeo Cristofori. The idea that differentiated the fortepiano from the organ or the harpsichord is that the fortepiano was essentially able to play in the dynamic extremes of fortissimo and pianissimo -
the symphony
the symphony was developed to showcase the capabilities of a full orchestra, this was the reason for the growing attraction of the symphony during the classical era. -
The Sonata
the sonata was understood as an instrumental work for one or two instruments, that consisted of three or four movements. although the sonata could be played on the piano alone. -
Joseph Haydn(1734-1809)
Hadyn was born in Rohrau, Austria in 1734. as a child, Haydn became a choirboy at St. Stephen's Cathedral. and in 1761 Haydnbegan working for a wealthy family who was a big advocate of the arts. under the family, Haydn established a musical program which included an orchestra, opera company, a marionette theater, and a chapel. throughout his career, Haydn wrote over 68 string quartets, 100 symphonies, and concertos. -
Cadenza
the classical era shifted the concertos emphasis on solo instrument and orchestra, this feature was known as a cadenza, a virtuosic solo passage that is an improvisation toward the end of a movement. the orchestra becomes silent and the soloist gets to improvise a set on the themes of the movement. -
classical opera
Opera seria was the genre of opera inherited by the baroque that was mostly made up of recitatives and arias. Opera Buffa was a more simpler style that reflected emotions much more realistically -
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart(1756-1791)
Mozart was born in Austria to Leopold Mozart, a composer/violinist. Mozart was extremely talented as a child, he began composing at five, and by the time he was thirteen he had written several sonatas, concertos, symphonies, etc. he has written over 23, string quartets, 17 piano sonatas, 40 symphonies. -
Ludwig van Beethoven(1770-1827)
Beethoven was born in Bonn, Germany. he began his career when he was eleven as an organist and harpsichordist. he moved to Vienna at twenty-two. he began losing his hearing in his twenties and his pride began to take a hit as he began an era of isolation and attempt to reach his artistic goal. he died at the age of 56 famous and revered. -
Eine Kleine Nachtmusik
one of Mozart's more famous pieces, Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, a serenade to be enjoyed in the public setting, this was a genre of music that was popular in Mozart's day. the work was written for string quartet supported by double bass.
