Classical

Question 1

General notes about the Classical era

Answer 1

• The classical period was available to the public .
• It had a lot more importance and presence in others’ lives, even royalty got involved.
• Sections in pieces became much more elaborate and complex when compared to the baroque era.
• The classical era had string quartets on the rise.
• Composers from the time include attempted to relate the music to architecture, for example making it symmetrical

Question 2

Notable Classical composers

Answer 2

Beethoven
Mozart
Haydn
Schubert

Question 3

Classical era time period

Answer 3

1750-1820

Question 4

Symphony

Answer 4

There are 4 symphony movements.
Haydn was called the “father of the symphony” (he wrote 104).
Symphonies were roughly 25-30 minutes and dynamics were more gradual with instruments being able to crescendo and diminuendo.
The big three were Beethoven, Mozart and Haydn. Symphonies are played by the orchestra. A lot of it is homophonic.

Question 5

Classical music features

Answer 5

Dynamics are a lot more gradual due to less constraints with the instrument.
Melodies were a lot more simple.
The harpsichord is GONE, with the piano taking its place, and trumpet is introduced.
• Phrase lengths are balanced.
• Usually there was a question phrase that went up with pitch, and an answer phrase that went down.
• The whole phrase was usually 8 bars long.
Alberti bass
Predictable
Repetitive
Slow harmonic rhythms

Question 6

Classical Concerto

Answer 6

1. 1 soloist per piece.
   
   2. They lasted for 3 movements.
   3. They’re around 35 minutes long.
   4. A cadenza happens towards the end.
   5. Ends with a trill and a cadence (two chords).
      
      7. Soloist and backing

Question 7

The String Quartet

Answer 7

• A string quartet consists of the Cello, Viola and 2 violins.
• String Quartets started because small groups of string players started to gain the desire to perform music in their own homes.
• String quartets sometimes contain question and answer phrases.
• There were usually background harmonies, and the first violin would be a captivating melody.

Question 8

Sonatas

Answer 8

• It has 3 movements.
• One moment (the first and third usually) are in Sonata form.
• Usually a piano and another instrument, can be solo piano.
• The tune alternates between the two.