The Classical Era Flashcards
When did the Classical Era occur?
1750 - c.1810/25
Texture in the Classical Era
Melody-dominated Homophony (able to hold a chord with a melody above it)
Alberti bass was used (1,3,5,3) as an accompaniment
Some use of counterpoint and imitation was still used
Clear melodic lines
Less complicated that Baroque
Composers of the Classical Era
W.A Mozart
J. Haydn
L. Beethoven
Harmony and Tonality in the Classical Era
Simple, diatonic harmonies
More frequent modulations, with dominant 7ths often used in the bass line in their lead up
Cadences became more important to end a phrase/section
Chromatic harmony was used at times to create tension with chords, but many primary chords (1,4,5) were used
Dynamics in the Classical Era
Greater variety and contrast in dynamics, with crescendos, diminuendos and sforzandos used for the first time
Articulation in the Classical Era
Articulation and expression markings were used for the first time
Tempo and Rhythm in the Classical Era
Sudden changes in rhythm
Pauses and syncopation used
Melody in the Classical Era
Short, balanced and regular phrasing in melodies of 4 to 8 bars
Periodic phrasing (Q and A) used
Emphasis on elegance and balance
Rising and falling sequence
Less complex than the Baroque Era
The Orchestra in the Classical Era
Clarinet and trombone newly invented
The brass section contained trumpets and french horns (equipped with valves)
The orchestra expanded to include more strings and a distinct woodwind section.
The percussion section still only contained the timpani
Orchestra directed by a non-instrument player (the conductor)
Strings often played the melody line, with 1st and 2nd violins often playing in octaves (octave doubling)
The Piano in the Classical Era
Percussive string instrument
It could create sudden contrasts between loud and quiet, legato and staccato, etc. as well as being able to sustain notes and chords
Replaced the harpsichord, which fell out of use
