Classical Music History: Composers, Symphonies and Opera

Characteristics of Baroque and Classical Music

• The reign of melody: Emphasis on symmetry.
• Full tonal language: Development of the tonal system.
• Harmonic filling: Use of scales and arpeggios.
• Alberti bass: Use of chord arpeggios in the accompaniment.

New Instruments of the Orchestra

• The harpsichord is replaced by the piano.
• Introduction of the piano, clarinet, and horn.

The Classical Orchestra

• Enlargement: Development of the Sinfonia (Symphony).
• Inclusion of traditional instruments plus new additions.
• The conductor no longer plays an instrument and stands in front of the orchestra.

Essentials of Classicism

Respect for musical forms and laws, specifically the Sonata and the Sinfonia.

The Sonata

• Works composed for 2 or 3 instruments.
• Presents a play in several parts.
• Transition from the Baroque style to a more strict structure.

The Sinfonia (Symphony)

• A grand sonata written for an entire orchestra.
• Increased complexity in composition.
• Key figures in Northern Italy: Giovanni Sammartini and J. Christian Bach.

Forms Derived from the Sonata

• Variations based on the instrumentation used.

Great Instrumental Music Creators

Joseph Haydn

• Born in Rohrau.
• Known as the Father of the Symphony.
• Characterized by aristocratic tastes.
• Founded the string quartet.
• Oratorios: The Creation and The Seven Last Words of Christ.
• 104 Symphonies: Including The Chase, Surprise, and Oxford.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

• A genius born in Salzburg (child prodigy).
• Short life with over 600 works composed.
• 41 Symphonies: Most notably numbers 39, 40, and 41.
• Concertos: The Coronation and the Concerto for Clarinet and Orchestra.
• Renowned for his string quartets.

Classical Opera and Its Creators

Key figures include Christoph Willibald Gluck and Mozart.

• Choir: Gained increased importance.
• Gluck: Expanded the orchestra and amended the libretto.

Christoph Willibald Gluck

• German composer; premiered many works in Paris.
• Represented the step between Baroque and Classical opera.
• Works: Orpheus and Eurydice, and the reform operas Iphigenia in Aulis and Iphigenia in Tauris.

Mozart as an Opera Composer

• The greatest figure in 18th-century opera.
• Unites the best musical traditions of France, Germany, and Italy.
• German Singspiel: The Magic Flute (Die Zauberflöte).
• Italian Comic Opera: The Marriage of Figaro.
• Dramatic Opera: Don Giovanni.
• Religious Music: Requiem.

Ludwig van Beethoven

• One of the greatest creators in music history.
• Born in Bonn; faced significant hearing problems throughout his life.

Beethoven's Creative Periods

• Until 1800: Classical style, including the Pathétique piano sonata and the 1st and 2nd Symphonies.
• Until 1815: Romantic signs, including the 3rd (Eroica), 5th, and 6th (Pastoral) Symphonies, and the Emperor Concerto.
• Until Death: Fully Romantic period, including the 9th Symphony and the Missa Solemnis.

Beethoven's Contributions

• Gave new relevance and depth to music.
• Led the Symphony to its summit.
• Wrote music as a primary means to express personal feelings.

Classical Music in Spain

Juan Crisostomo Arriaga

• Born in Bilbao and died in Paris.
• Child prodigy: composed an opera overture at 12 and The Happy Slaves at 14.
• Works: Symphony in D minor and three classical quartets.
• Died at a very young age.

Vicente Martin y Soler

• Opera composer in Vienna who competed with Mozart.
• Born in Valencia; lived in Italy and Vienna.
• Major Works: Three significant operas, including Una Cosa Rara.
• Served as the chapel master for Catherine the Great in Russia; died in St. Petersburg.