Classical Period Music 1750 1825 Historical Events Industrial

Classical Period Music 1750 -1825

Historical Events � Industrial Revolution ◦ New means of production led to increases in material goods & wealth ◦ Urban society became central to life in Europe & the Americas � Philosophy of Enlightenment � Republican Government ◦ Emphasis on Natural Rights of people ◦ Individual rights & roles ◦ Social contract between people & government

Changes in the Music Field Social Role of Music ◦ More production of goods ◦ Available to a broader class of society ◦ “innocent luxury” ◦ European Composers reacted to increase in demand for music Nature in the Arts ◦ “unnatural” and “artificial” ideas of the baroque were replaced with “natural” ideals of simplicity & balance ◦ Subjects in art & literature usually were “real” instead of fantasical characters or ideas ◦ In music, simplicity, balance, and real emotions were critical

Musical Style � Simpler textures: � Simpler melodies: ◦ Homophonic- usually only melody & accompaniment ◦ Even phrases, symmetric “question & answer” structure ◦ Many composers were inspired by folk melodies � Piano ◦ Most important solo instrument � Simple forms: ◦ 2 & 3 part forms �Sonata Allegro Form

Composers � Franz Joseph Haydn ( 1732 -1809) � Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756 -1791) � Ludwig Van Beethoven (1770 - 1827)