Classical Music: Instruments, Orchestras, and Composers
Classified in Music
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Classical Music
1. Construction of Classical Music
Classical music is built upon the principle of melody, emphasizing symmetrical structure. Melodies are typically divided into sections of 8 bars (periods and sub-periods of 2) or 6 bars (3+3). Harmony plays a crucial role, with a tonal hierarchy centered around the root (R), dominant (V), and subdominant (IV) chords. Harmonic tones emphasize scales and arpeggios. Alberti bass, a common accompaniment pattern, involves arpeggiating chords in a regular, repeated pattern.
2. New Instruments in the Orchestra
The harpsichord gradually disappeared from the orchestra. Two prominent instruments emerged: the horn and the clarinet. The piano also became a key instrument.
- Wind: Clarinet, Horn
- Keyboard: Piano
3. The Classical Orchestra
The orchestra expanded significantly during the classical period, leading to the development of the symphony. The string family typically consisted of:
- 10 First Violins
- 10 Second Violins
- 8 Violas
- 6 Cellos
- 4 Double Basses
4. The Sonata Form
(Details about the sonata form would be placed here)
5. The Symphony
The symphony is essentially a large-scale sonata for orchestra. It typically follows a four-movement structure:
- I: Allegro or Andante
- II: Adagio
- III: Minuet/Scherzo
- IV: Allegro finale/Rondo
6. Forms Derived from the Sonata
Other forms are derived from the sonata, including:
- Duet (sonata for 2 instruments)
- Trio, Quartet, Quintet, Sextet, Septet, Octet, Nonet
7. Creators of Instrumental Music
- Joseph Haydn (1732-1809): Known for his aristocratic style and incorporating popular melodies. Important works include The Creation and The Seven Last Words, along with over 104 symphonies.
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791): Composed important symphonies, quartets, and concertos for various instruments. His notable works include Symphonies 39-41, The Coronation Mass, and the Clarinet Concerto.
8. Classical Opera
Christoph W. Gluck and Mozart significantly influenced vocal music and opera. Christoph W. Gluck (1714-1787) bridged the gap between Baroque and Classical opera with works like Orpheus and Eurydice. Mozart became a major figure in 18th-century opera, contributing to Italian, French, and German operatic traditions.
9. Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)
Beethoven transitioned from Classical to Romantic music. His career is divided into three periods:
- First Period (to 1800): Focused on piano works, including the Sonata Pathétique and his first two symphonies.
- Second Period (to 1815): Showed early Romantic tendencies, composing Symphonies 3-6 and the Emperor Concerto.
- Third Period (to 1827): Fully embraced Romanticism, producing works like the Ninth Symphony and the Missa Solemnis.
10. Classical Music in Spain
Notable Spanish composers of the Classical period include Juan Crisóstomo Arriaga (1806-1826) and Vicente Martín y Soler.