Classical Music: Instruments, Orchestras, and Composers

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:

1. I: Allegro or Andante
2. II: Adagio
3. III: Minuet/Scherzo
4. 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:

1. First Period (to 1800): Focused on piano works, including the Sonata Pathétique and his first two symphonies.
2. Second Period (to 1815): Showed early Romantic tendencies, composing Symphonies 3-6 and the Emperor Concerto.
3. 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.