The Classical Era in Music: Forms, Figures, and the Vienna School

Classicism in Music: The Classic Era (1750–1830)

After 1750, a new social, cultural, and artistic current swept across Europe: the Enlightenment.

The Influence of the Enlightenment

The French Encyclopedists approached all aspects of reality with a scientific spirit, including philosophy, economics, and music. The Encyclopédie of Diderot and d'Alembert defined the characteristics of melody, harmony, and the orchestra.

Characteristics and Context of Classical Music

• Classical music was characterized by being balanced and clear.
• The undisputed Music Capital of the era was Vienna.
• Key Personalities: Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven.

The Musician's Role in the 18th Century

In the eighteenth century, music was still considered a craft, with musicians typically working at the court of a prince or king.

Functions of music included:

• Religious ritual.
• Celebrations.
• The enjoyment of the patron (who paid).

Musicians increasingly fought for personal, social, and economic independence. Following the French Revolution, music transitioned into a professional field.

The Rise of the Bourgeoisie and Public Concerts

The entrepreneurial spirit of the bourgeoisie fostered the development of instrumental music, which moved out of churches and palaces to be heard in public concert halls.

Classical compositions were not merely a juxtaposition of parts but formed a unified whole with its own life. Although they lacked a narrative plot, they followed a structure involving a presentation, development, climax, and denouement.

Key Classical Forms: Sonata and Symphony

The Classical Sonata

The classical sonata derived from the Baroque sonata. It is a composition for one or two instruments—initially the violin or harpsichord, and from the second half of the eighteenth century, the piano.

It typically consisted of three or four movements:

1. Allegro (Fast)
2. Lento (Slow)
3. Allegro (Fast)
4. Allegretto (Moderately Fast)

The Orchestra and the Mannheim School

The orchestra gained a high profile during this era. The composers and interpreters of the German city of Mannheim formed an important center of musical experimentation, developing new expressive opportunities and sounds for the orchestra.

The Classical Symphony

The classical symphony is essentially a sonata written for an orchestra. Haydn, often called the "Father of the Symphony," composed over 100 symphonies.

The Classical Concerto

During the eighteenth century, the Baroque concerto grosso disappeared, replaced by the classical concerto for a solo instrument. In this form, the main themes were first presented by the orchestra and then developed by the solo instrument.

The piano soloist established itself as the modern instrument par excellence.