Introduction to Classical Music

1. Classical Music

2. Classical Music - Eras Baroque (1600-1750) foundation laid for the following 300 years of musical expression modern orchestra was born, along with opera Neo-Classical (1750-1830) introduction of the sonata, concerto, symphony, trio and quartet a near-obsession with structural clarity Romantic (1830-1900) intensity of expression nationalist schools begin to emerge Gershwin-“Rhapsody in Blue”

3. Classical Music - Categories Orchestral Music (string, brass, woodwind, percussion) Symphony Overture Concerto Ballet Chamber Music - music composed for a small ensemble (2-15 players) Opera - a play set to music Brandenburg Concerto

4. Johann Sebastian Bach German 1685-1750 Supreme composer of the Baroque Era composer and organist of ecclesiastical and secular works 20 children “ Revered for his intellectual depth, technical command and artistic beauty” Classical Music Air for the “G” String

5. Toccata and Fugue - Johann Sebastian Bach Classical Music

6. Antonio Vivaldi Italian 1678-1741 The Four Seasons (1723) a set of four concertos for violin wrote sonnets to match each season “Vivaldi's music is joyful, almost playful, revealing his own joy of composing” Classical Music “Spring” The Four Seasons

7. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Austrian 1756-1791 Child Prodigy (composing at age 4) Revolution of Classical Music (over 600 compositions) Requiem - Funeral Mass music criticized as being “too complex” Classical Music Eine kleine Nachtmusik

8. Ludwig van Beethoven German 1770-1827 Leads transition between the Classical Era and Romantic Era started to go deaf around age thirty 5th Symphony, Für Elise, Moonlight Sonata and The Ode to Joy Classical Music Fifth Symphony

9. “Ode to Joy” - Beethoven’s 9th Symphony Classical Music

10. Felix Mendelssohn German 1809-1847 Romantic Era composer Converted to Christianity A Midsummer Night's Dream Classical Music “Wedding March” - A Midsummer Night's Dream

11. Johann Strauss Austrian 1825-1899 “The Waltz King” Extensive Touring – Europe/US “Blue Danube” “Vienna Waltz” “Emperor Waltz” Classical Music “ The Blue Danube”

12. Richard Wagner German 1813-1883 Best known for his operas Leitmotif - principle of musical unity Themes of Nordic Mythology and German Nationalism The Flying Dutchman, Tannhäuser , Lohengrin , Tristan and Isolde Ring of the Nibelungen Classical Music Ride of the Valkyrie

13. “Tristan und Isolde” Classical Music

14. Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Russian 1840-1893 Fused Western classical music with Russian nationalism. Famous Ballet scores – foundation of 20th Century Dance “Swan Lake”, “The Nutcracker”, “Sleeping Beauty” “The 1812 Overture” Classical Music The 1812 Overture

15. “Swan Lake” Classical Music

16. Georges Bizet French 1838-1875 Operas/Dramatic Music Carmen - one of the most popular operas ever written “Only posthumouslywas his true stature appreciated” Classical Music Carmen: Toreador's Song

17. Carmen: “Habanera” Classical Music

18. Orff: “O Fortuna” Classical Music