16 - Folder 5 - Early Classical Instrumental Music

Question 1

Early Classicism (1730–1770) overlapped a bit with the Baroque period. How did this overlap appear?

Answer 1

i. Signs of early classicism began in the 1730s
ii. But J.S. Bach died in 1750, and Handel in 1759
iii. Progressive and conservative traits depend on genres, location, and the tendencies of individual composers

Question 2

What defined this Classicism/ Classical period?

Answer 2

i. Renewal of interest in classical culture (ancient Greece)

Question 3

What were the Classical aesthetics?

Answer 3

1. Balance/symmetry
2. Refinement/elegance
3. Clarity
4. Purging excessive ornamentation, decoration

Question 4

Describe the Enlightenment–the Age of Reason!

Answer 4

i. Intellectual movement of the 18th century
ii. Age of reason
1. Search for an elegant understanding of the world with a basis in reason, rational thought, science

Question 5

In the Enlightenment, describe the Social and political upheaval and reform .

Answer 5

1. Reason replaces faith as the source of answers
2. Breakdown of aristocratic rule
3. Deterioration of class separation
4. American revolution (1776)
5. French revolution (1789)
6. Increasing importance of non-aristocrats
   a. Reflected in opera plots
   b. Public concerts

Question 6

There were many New compositional ideals of early classicism. What of the Abandonment of Doctrine of the Affections?

Answer 6

i. This was the Baroque idea that there are specific ways to depict emotional states in music, and that a piece of music (or movement) should only depict one emotional state
ii. Thus in early classicism we find greater contrasts of mood within a single piece or movement

Question 7

Another part of the new compositional ideals of early classicism was the Gradual disappearance of the basso continuo. Pour quoi? Et comment?

Answer 7

i. Basso continuo was a part of the texture in most Baroque music, consisting of a clear bass line and accompanying chords
ii. The one important exception to this is in Classical opera, where the basso continuo is still used in recitative (see the Early Classical Vocal Music topic outline)

Question 8

Early classicism Firmly established tonal system of major and minor keys. Tell me about it, why don’t you?

Answer 8

i. Forms, melodies, and harmonic progressions based on the fundamental contrast of tonic and dominant (I and V)

Question 9

Tell me about the Melodic and harmonic periodicity of early Classicism.

Answer 9

1. The musical flow is divided into smaller units (phrases and periods)