Classical Music Essentials: Forms, Composers, and Concepts

Key Composers of the Classical Era

The most important composers of the Classical era were Joseph Haydn, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and Ludwig van Beethoven. All three lived and worked in Vienna, a central hub for music during this period.

What is a Musical Movement?

When we speak of a movement in a musical work, we are referring to the distinct, self-contained sections or "breaks" that exist within the larger composition. Each movement typically has its own tempo, mood, and structure.

Distinguishing Musical Forms

Symphony

A symphony is a large-scale musical composition for orchestra, typically divided into four movements. Each movement usually has a different structure and tempo, and the overall form of the symphony has evolved significantly over time.

Sonata

The term sonata refers to various musical forms, originating in the Baroque period and extending to more experimental contemporary music. It typically denotes a composition for a solo instrument or a solo instrument with piano accompaniment, often structured in multiple movements.

Chamber Music and Chamber Orchestra

Chamber music is a form of classical music that is composed for a small group of instruments—traditionally, one player per part—and is intended to be performed in intimate settings rather than a large concert hall. A chamber orchestra is a smaller ensemble, not exclusively string-based, as it can also include wind instruments, making it suitable for performing chamber music.

Understanding Sonata Form

Sonata form is a musical structure consisting of three main sections:

• Exposition: This section introduces two primary musical themes. Theme A is typically presented in the tonic (main) key and often has an energetic character. It is linked to Theme B through a passage called a modulating bridge. Theme B is then presented in a related key (often the dominant or relative major/minor) and tends to be more lyrical.
• Development: In this section, the musical material from the exposition is explored and transformed. The music moves through various keys, developing and re-working fragments of the main themes.
• Recapitulation: This is a re-exposure of the themes from the exposition, but with significant modifications. Both Theme A and Theme B are now presented in the main (tonic) key, providing a more conclusive character. The movement often concludes with a Coda, a final section that gathers and reinforces material from one or both themes.

Characteristics of Classical Music

Classical music is generally characterized by its intricate structure and compositional complexity. It is often performed by a large ensemble, such as an orchestra, led by a conductor, and features a wide variety of instruments.

The Minuet: Origin and Structure

The Minuet (or Minuetto) is an old traditional dance originating in the Poitou region of France during the Baroque era, reaching its peak development between 1670 and 1750. It was introduced to the French court by Jean-Baptiste Lully in 1673, who incorporated it into his operas. From then on, the minuet became a standard component of both opera and ballet, and later, instrumental suites and symphonies.

What is an Opus Number?

An opus number (from the Latin word "opus," meaning "work") is a cataloging indicator used to classify musical compositions, typically in chronological order of their creation or publication. It helps identify and organize a composer's body of work.

Notable Compositions by Mozart

Some of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's most famous symphonies include:

• Symphony No. 35 in D major, "Haffner"
• Symphony No. 36 in C major, "Linz"
• Symphony No. 38 in D major, "Prague"
• Symphony No. 40 in G minor
• Symphony No. 41 in C major, "Jupiter"

Defining Modern Ballet

Modern ballet is a contemporary dance form that draws influence from both classical ballet and modern dance. While it incorporates the rigorous technique of classical ballet, it allows for a significantly greater range of motion and expressive freedom. Many of its concepts and innovations emerged from the ideas of 20th-century modern dance pioneers.

Key Figure in the Transition to Romanticism

François-René, Vicomte de Chateaubriand, a prominent French writer and politician, is often considered a key figure who embodied the transition from Classicism to Romanticism in literature and thought.