(Neo) Classical Music

1. (Neo) Classical Music Transition from Baroque to Romanticism

2. Neo? Classical • Although the following developments happened during the time period we are calling “Neoclassical” in class, this period in music is most often referred to in modern times as simply “Classical” • It is important to note that “Classical” music in today’s culture is regarded as a genre as well as a time period. Not all music labeled as “Classical” was composed during this period.

3. Remember the Baroque • The Baroque period was known for its ornamentation. • Polyphony (many melodic lines at once) was a predominant feature of Baroque Music. • Opera Seria was the most common form of opera at the time.

4. Shifting to the Classical • Like in other art forms during this period an order and clarity was brought to music. • Polyphony was replaced by Homophony • Homophonic music is characterized by a singular melody over a subordinate (or supporting) harmony. • This allowed the tonal structure of works to become more audible. • This created the need for notating the melodic line for dynamics and phrasing.

5. Opera • Public taste shifted from Opera Seria to Comic Opera. • The music of Comic Opera was usual much simpler. • The story usually focused on ordinary people rather than grand historical figures.

6. Instrumental Music • The fortepiano (the precursor to the modern piano) replaced the harpsichord. • (The fortepiano is the piano like instrument seen in the film “Amadeus” with the reversed black and white keys and the lighter sound of our modern pianos) • Main types of instrumental music were sonata, trio, string quartet, symphony, concerto, serenade and divertimento

7. Sonata Form • The Sonata Form developed during this time. • NOT to be confused with a Sonata • The Sonata Form was a way of structuring the first movement in a multi-movement composition. • Also called “First movement form” and “Sonata Allegro Form” since the first movement is usually in an allegro tempo

8. Sonata Form continued • The main parts of the Sonata Form are: • Introduction- optional • Exposition- introduction of theme (perhaps a melody) • Development- playing around with themes form the exposition • Recapitulation- return to the Exposition but altered slightly (for emphasis) • Coda- tag

9. Symphony • Composed for full orchestra • 3-4 movements • 1st and 4th movement always fast. • 1st Movement- sonata or allegro • 2nd Movement- a slow movement or adagio • 3rd Movement- a minuet with trio or “Beethoven 4 movement solo sonata” • 4th Movement- an allegro, rondo or sonata.

10. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart • 1756-1791 • Born is Salzburg (what is now Austria) • Child prodigy, began composing at the age of 5 • Composed for a variety genres including: • Opera, sonata, piano concertos, symphony, string quartet, chamber music, dance music, solo piano.

11. Mozart • Most famous works: • Eine Kleine Nachtmusik * • Piano Concerto 21* • Requiem Mass (unfinished) • Opera • The Marriage of Figaro • Don Giovanni • The Magic Flute

12. Ludwig Van Beethoven • German composer, born in late 1700’s • Most famous for continuing to compose music even after going completely deaf • Also wrote for a variety of genres • Very important to the development of music. He is regarded as the connection between the (Neo)classical period and the Romantic Era.

13. Beethoven • Most famous works • Fur Elise * • 9th Symphony “Ode to Joy” * • Moonlight Sonata *

14. Mozart and Beethoven are two of the most famous composers of all time. • Although you may not have recognized the tunes played by name you probably recognize the tunes. • Their tunes are used frequently in movies, TV etc. • (Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata actually appears in “You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown)