From Baroque to Classical

1
From Baroque to Classical

2
Style Features of Classical music

• Rhythm
• More flexible
• less predictable
• greater variety of durations
• off beat accents become more common.

3
Style Features of Classical music

• Dynamics
• More variable
• Tone Colour
• Larger orchestras more variety in sound
• clear differences between string, woodwinds, and
  brass
• No harpsichord

4
Style Features of Classical music

• Melody
• Melody was the most prized musical element
• Melodies are symmetrical, creating balance and
  proportion.
• Texture
• Melody with Accompaniment (homophony the texture
  of choice).
• Some polyphony, to create intensity.

5
Style Features of Classical music

• Form
• Classical music was extremely organized by use of
  new forms
• Repetition and cadential closures allowed for
  clear division between sections.
• Contrast also very important Pleasing Variety

6
Genres of Classical Music

• Some of the genres we will study in this unit
  include
• Symphony
• Sonata
• Concerto
• String Quartet
• Opera Buffa

7
Classical Forms

• Some of the forms we will study in this unit
  include
• Sonata Form
• Slow movement form
• Minuet and Trio
• Theme and Variation
• Rondo
• Recitative, Aria and Ensemble

8
Classical Composers

• Although there are many composers who worked in
  the classical area, three composers still have
  household use today
• Haydn (1732-1809)
• Mozart (1756-1791)
• Beethoven (1770-1827)
• We will study works from all three of these
  composers in detail.