The Classic Period(1730-1810)

By michellexu
  • Period: to

    Metastasio

    Court poet in Vienna, most important author of 18th century librettos
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    Sammartini

    Inventor of the Symphony in Milan
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    Farinelli

    Most famous castrati of the 18th century
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    Richter

    Inventor of the string quartet
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    Prince Nikolaus Eszterhazy

    Haydn's patron and employer until 1790
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    CPE Bach

    Eldest son of JS Bach
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    Gluck

    German opera-reform composer
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    Burney

    Music historian, author, and organist

  • Sonata Form

    Reached its highest achievements during the Classic era.

  • Compositions became polythematic

    Multiple themes were used

  • Surprise Stops

    Rests were used for effect

  • Tempo

    Steady and Regular, very little rubato in ensemble music

  • Opera

    Main form of entertainment in the beginning of the period

  • Church Arias

    Began to resemble secular arias.

  • Melody

    Singable with symmetrical phrasing.

  • Instrumental Music

    Became a new avenue of musical expression.

  • Rhythm

    Used a gestures, not complex.

  • Harmony

    Remained predictable and uncomplicated. Development sections in sonata form often used faster harmonic rhythms.

  • Texture

    Homophony was mostly used, but some polyphony is as well.

  • Form

    Sonata form was the most popular. Rondos and Ternary form were used as well.

  • Dynamics

    Expressive markings began used more. Dynamics were an integral part of musical expression.

  • Timbre

    Clarinet was added to the orchestral ensemble as a regular member.

  • Turkish Elements

    Turkish elements, like percussion instruments were popular.
  • Period: to

    Haydn

    Innovator and mover within the new classic style
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    Boccherini

    Italian composer and cellist
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    Da Ponte

    Italian librettist and poet, collaborated with Mozart
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    Salieri

    Italian composer and teacher, very successful
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    Mozart

    Austrian composer, child prodigy, innovator in opera
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    Sturm und Drang

    German movement opposite of the typical classic period traits of polite, natural, and systematic. Foreshadowed Romanticism

  • Pianoforte

    Began to replace the harpsichord.