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Musical Traits in the Classical Era
In the Classical Era, many music styles underwent change. Melodies became singable and were created with symmetrical phrasing. Rhythms were used as gestures, and not complex. They seemed to exist to serve the melodic content. Harmonies were unpredictable and uncomplicated. Homophony was the texture used mostly in this era. The sonata form continued to rule the instrumental world in the Classical era. Dynamics were also an integral part of expressions in music. Forte and Piano were mostly used. -
Period: to
Classical Era
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Genres
There were many genres composed in the Classical Era, some of them are: Allemande, Anthem, Aria, Ballet, Concertos, Divertimento, Incidental Music, Intermezzi, Landler, Lied, March, Melodrama, Minuet, Motet, Opera Buffa, Opera Seria, Overture, Partita, Pasticcio, Quodlibet, Recitative, Rondo, Serenade, Singspiel, Sonata, String Quartet, String Trio, and Symphonies. -
Musical Inventions in the Classical Era
In the Classical Era, there was one major musical invention. In 1777, in England, a patented version of the piano emerged. In the years coming, the piano would undergo changes that strengthen in and expand its versatility. Other than the piano, the clarinet was also used more commonly in orchestral and chamber music. -
Major Historical Events (Not Music Related)
In 1766, The Seven Year's War left Britain in debt so they begin to tax the colonists in America with the Stamp Act, and Declaratory Act.
In 1773, The Boston Tea Party happens
In 1774, The First Continental Congress happens
In 1776, The Second Continental Congress occurs, and the Colonists declare Independence. This is seen as Rebellion by Britain.
In 1790, Rhode Island lastly ratifies the US Constitution.
In 1789, George Washington is elected president -
Johann Christian Bach (1735-1782)
Johann Christian Bach was the son of J.S. Bach. He was a friend and influence to Mozart. He worked in Milan and London. He was the author of many symphonies, operas, church music, keyboard works, and concertos. -
Johann Adolf Hasse (1699-1783
Johann Adolf Hasse was a German composer of Italian Opera. He was the most admired composer of opera seria in Italy and Germany. He was praised by many. He wrote 63 operas, many intermezzi, cantatas, oratorios, masses, Requiems, motets, choral music, arias, concertos, quartets, sonatas, and other keyboard works. -
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)
Mozart was an Austrian composer and is arguably one of the most well known and best composers/musician of all time. He was a child prodigy and wrote in all genres. His best innovations were in opera. He wrote over 20 operas, piano concertos, concertos, symphonies, sonatas, choral music, chamber music, and vocal works. -
Franz Joseph Haydn (1732-1809)
Haydn was an Austrian composer who is one of the key composers of this time. He served as an innovator and mover within the new classical style. He was also a teacher, keyboardist, and violinist. Haydn wrote over 106 symphonies, 83 string quartets, 20 operas, choral music, chamber music, and piano works. -
Johann Friedrich Reichardt (1752-1814)
Reichardt was a German composer and writer. He was prolific and well known. Reichardt wrote over 1500 songs, 32 operas, ballets, choral music, concertos, chamber music, keyboard works, and writings.
