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 * CLASSICAL PERIOD**

**__Classical Period Revision__** **__Period: 1750-1825__**
 * The Piano Forte is the proper name for a piano. It makes noise when the keys are struck with felt hammers. Harpsichord keys were struck with feathers and did not vary in noise range.
 * During 18th century- the pianoforte was becoming more popular then the harpsichord and was a primary keyboard instrument.
 * The gallant style is when the composer charms the listeners without making demands on them.
 * Johann Christian Bach adapted the gallant style in his music and brought it with him England.
 * Middle class people began to impose taste on the art. Their thoughts and input became more heard then before.
 * Comic opera- often based on national styles and customs of a place with some lyrics based in the common language.
 * Sentimental style is when the composer tries representing peoples common feelings within the music.
 * The new styles of the classical period used simple phrases with clear beginnings and clear ends.
 * The harmony was simple and the tonality was clearer then before in the Classical period. The answer was always the tonic.
 * Overtures are an introduction to a piece of music. They are usually in three sections- **Beginning:** fast opening, **Middle:** slow middle section and **End:** fast closing.
 * Form refers to the way a composition is put together. = Beginning (idea a), middle (idea b) and end (idea a).
 * Chamber music- Written to be played in small rooms instead of in concert halls.
 * The basso continuo became less popular because more music was written for anyone to be able to sing.
 * Melodies had two or more themes in them.
 * Rhythms were very clear and often.
 * Classical music was homophonic.


 * Composers:**
 * __ Franz Joseph Haydn __** : He was born in Austria. He is famous for his string quartets, symphonies, trios and masses. Some of his famous pieces are “The Minute of the Ox” and “The Seasons”
 * __ Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: __** He was born in Austria. At the age of 6 he toured Europe as a keyboard virtuoso (someone highly skilled in playing the keyboard). At 20 years old he was an aging child prodigy (someone with exceptional talent) who was no longer in demand by people. He composed with great speed even when people were talking around him. He also completed his first symphony before he was 9 and composed his first oratorio at 11. He went to Vienna to try and make money but did not earn enough to support himself or his family. He could not do another job because he cared for nothing else besides music. He mastered sonatas, symphonies, string quartets etc. and he composed over 600 works. He composed the Marriage of Figaro. He gave the piano an almost human role as it interacted with the orchestra.
 * __ Ludwig van Beethoven: __** He was born in Germany. He came from poverty. He moved to Vienna because he wanted to work with. He never wanted to be referred to as a servant but instead an artist. Beethoven is known for having horrible tempers. He composed quartets, symphonies, concertos and piano sonatas. Some of his famous pieces are “Fur Elise” and “Moonlight Sonata”.


 * Definition:**
 * //Dynamic range//- degrees of loudness
 * //Classical-// a “thing” of lasting value
 * //Oratorio-// a piece of music for voices and an orchestra
 * //Sonata (allegro) form// - Theme 1 = tonality x ; theme 2= tonality y. themes 1&2 . Theme 1- tonality x. theme 2= tonality x . exposition, development , recapitulation
 * //Crescendo and diminuendo//- gradually becoming softer

**__TEST QUESTIONS__**

**__Answers__**
 * What was the time period for the classical period?
 * What is the proper name for the piano?
 * What is the gallant style?
 * What were middle class people beginning to do during this time?
 * What is comic opera?
 * What is sentimental style?
 * Complete this sentence: The harmony was simple and the tonality was ……… then before in the Classical period.
 * Is an overture the introduction to a piece or the conclusion to a piece?
 * What are the three sections in an overture?
 * What is chamber music?
 * Was the basso continuo more popular or less popular during the classical period?
 * Was classical music homophonic or polyphonic?
 * Name one famous piece by Franz Joseph Haydn.
 * Name one famous piece by Mozart.
 * Name one famous piece by Beethoven.
 * What is “classical” defined as?
 * The time period for the classical period was 1750 -1825
 * The proper name for the piano is the piano forte.
 * The gallant style is when the composer charms the listeners without making demands on them.
 * During the classical period the middle class people were making their tastes known in the music world.
 * Comic opera is based on the customs and styles of a country
 * Sentimental style represent’s people’s feelings
 * The harmony was simple and the tonality was CLEARER then before.
 * The overture is the introduction to a piece of music.
 * Fast opening, slow middle section and fast closing.
 * Chamber music is music written to be played in small rooms.
 * The basso continuo was less popular during the classical period.
 * Classical music was homophonic
 * Haydn – “The Seasons”
 * Mozart – “The Marriage of Figaro”
 * Beethoven – “Fur Elise”
 * Classical is defined as a “thing of lasting value”.

The Baroque period study guide :