The Classical Era

1. The Classical Era
1750–1825

2. Architecture, literature and the arts of the
Classical Era emulated the ideals of those of
Classical Greece.
A new style was
developed, with
clearer divisions
between parts,
brighter contrasts
and colors, and
simplicity rather
then complexity.

3. The Royal ScottishAcademy,
Edinburgh (1822-26)

4. Winter Palace, St. Petersburg, Russia, 1754 - 1762

5. The Rotunda of the University of Virginia at
Charlottesville reflects Jefferson’s admiration for
classical architecture.

6. Jefferson’s home Monticello was designed after Greek and
Roman Temples

7. Important Historical Events
• The American Revolution (1775–83)
• Declaration of Independence.
• Washington D.C. was established as a the U. S.
capital, 1800
• Louisiana was purchased, 1803
• The French Revolution (1789–99)
• Power was transferred from the aristocracy to
the middle class.
• Rapidly expanding capitalism.

8. Scientific Discoveries
• James Watts introduced steam engine,
1760.
• First editions of the French Encyclodedie
(1751–52) and Encyclopaedia Britannica
(1771).
• Edward Jenner introduced vaccination,
1796.
• Benjamin Franklin experimented with
electricity.
• Joseph Priestley discovered oxygen.

9. Characteristics of the Classical
Style in Music
• Mainly homophonic texture; polyphony was not
the main focus of music.
• All parts were written, no figured bass.
• Melodies based on clear-cut phrases and clearly
marked cadences.
• Diatonic harmony.
• Rhythmic regularity—meters within movements
did not change.
• Sonata Allegro form was developed and was used
in the first movements of multi-movement works.
Mozart, Divertimento No. 1, K. 136
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPBL-kPQzkc

10. Sonata Allegro Form
Please study the presentation on the Sonata Allegro Form
included in this week’s assignments list.
Please take a look at this example as well.
http://www.teoria.com/tutorials/forms/sonata02.php

11. The Classical Symphony
I. Allegro in sonata-allegro form, sometimes
preceded by a slow introduction.
II. A slow movement in A-B-A or theme and
variations form.
III. Menuet and trio in triple meter.
IV. Finale, a vivacious Allegro molto or Presto in
rondo or sonata-allegro form.
W. A. Mozart, Symphony No. 34 in C
http://content.thespco.org/music/compositions/symphony-no-34-
in-c-wolfgang-amadeus-mozart/
http://javanese.imslp.info/files/imglnks/usimg/7/7f/IMSLP00066-
Mozart_-_Symphony_No_34_in_C_Major__K338.pdf

12. The Classical Orchestra
The classical orchestra is considerably smaller than the modern
symphony orchestra: less strings, not more than two same
instruments in woodwind and brass sections could be used, and
percussion section contains only a very few instruments.
Haydn, Symphony No. 95
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=syOFv4iAxMw

13. The Classical Orchestra
Haydn’s Orchestra
(Symphony No. 94):
• Strings: Violins 1,
Violins 2, Violas, Cellos
and Double Basses.
• Woodwinds: 2 Flutes, 2
Oboes.
• Brass: 2 French Horns,
2 Trumpets.
• Percussion: Timpani
Beethoven’s Orchestra
(Symphony No. 5):
• Strings: Violins 1, Violins
2, Violas, Cellos, Double
Basses.
• Woodwinds: 1 Piccolo, 2
Flutes, 2 Oboes, 2
Bassoons, 2 Clarinets, 1
Contrabassoon.
• Brass: 2 French Horns,
2 Trumpets, 3
Trombones.
• Percussion: Timpani.

14. Franz Joseph Haydn
(1732–1809)
• An Austrian composer,
Viennese Classicist
• “Father of the
Symphony”
• “Father of the String
Quartet”
• At the time of his death,
Haydn was one of the
most celebrated
composers in Europe.

15. Early Life
• Was born in Rohrau,
Austira, a village near the
border with Hungary.
• Father—a wheelwright,
mother—a former cook.
Neither could read music.
• Parents noticed Haydn’s
talent and at the age of six,
he left them to train as a
musician.
• 1740—moved to Vienna to
work as a chorister and
study school subjects and
music.
St. Stephen's Cathedral in
Vienna, where Haydn worked
as a child.

16. Freelance Career in Vienna
• Haydn matured physically and was no longer
able to sing high choral parts.
• 1749—worked as a music teacher, a street
serenader, accompanist.
• Composed and opera.
• 1754—worked freelance for the court of Vienna.
• Obtained aristocratic patronage under Count
Morzin, for whom he worked as a music director.
• Married.

17. Esterhaza (1761–1790)
• Became a music
director for the
immensely wealthy
Esterhazy family.
• Composed, ran the
orchestra, played
chamber music,
mounted operatic
productions. The Esterhaza Palace

18. London
1791–92 and 1794–95—Haydn visited London.
Conducted new symphonies with a large
orchestra.
Symphony No. 104, “London”
http://content.thespco.org/music/compositions/s
ymphony-no-104-in-d-london-franz-joseph-haydn/
Symphony No. 100, “Military”
http://content.thespco.org/music/compositions/s
ymphony-no-100-military-franz-joseph-haydn/

19. Last Years
• 1795—returned to Vienna.
• Worked part-time for the Esterhazy as a music director.
• Wrote works for public performances.
• Composed oratorios “Creation” (1798) and “The
Seasons” (1801).
• Composed instrumental music.
http://content.thespco.org/music/compositions/symphony
-no-104-in-d-london-franz-joseph-haydn/
• Died at the age of 77.

20. Important Compositions
• Operas:
• 20 were composed, some of the first being lost. Some
of the extant 15 include: La Canterina (1766); Lo
Speziale (1768); Le Pescatrici (1769); L'infedeltà delusa
(1773); L'incontro improvviso (1775); etc.
• Concertos for instruments and orchestra:
• 2 Concertos for Cello
• 3 Concertos for Klavier
• 3 Concertos for Violin
• Concerto for Organ, etc.

21. Important Compositions
• For orchestra:
• 104 Symphonies
• For choir and orchestra:
• 13 Masses
• Stabat Mater (1767)
• Die sieben letzten Worte unseres Erlösers am Kreuz (The Seven
Last Words of Our Saviour on the Cross, 1st version (str. qt.) 1785,
choral version 1795–96)
• Instrumental Music:
• 68 String Quartets

22. Video Assignment
Please watch this video and take notes. You will be asked to
reflect on the composer’s life and legacy.
http://digital.films.com.ezproxy.vccs.edu:2048/PortalViewVideo.
aspx?xtid=44001&psid=0&sid=0&State=&title=Franz%20Joseph
%20Haydn:%20A%20Concise%20Biography&IsSearch=N&parent
SeriesID=#

23. Required Readings:
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classical_era_music
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Haydn
• http://library.thinkquest.org/22673/