Classical Music Period: History, Characteristics and Forms

The Classical Period: An Era of Elegance

The Classical period (c. 1750–1800) represents the brief era between the Baroque and Romantic periods. Music during this time was defined by elegance and simplicity. The period is known as “Viennese Classical” because Vienna served as the base for its three leading representatives: Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven. Instrumental and secular music gained popularity, leading to the birth of the classical sonata and the symphony orchestra, alongside new instruments like the clarinet and the fortepiano.

Historical and Cultural Context

The Classical period saw significant improvements in education, agriculture, and science. The French Revolution (1789) established the principle of equality for all citizens and signaled the end of absolute monarchy. Furthermore, the philosophy of the Enlightenment (Ilustración) promoted the values of reason and science.

Music as Entertainment

Music became a primary form of entertainment. Public concerts grew in popularity, fostering a new generation of music lovers. While composers and performers were hired by the aristocracy and bourgeoisie as salaried employees, their social status improved. Many began to sell their scores and earn a percentage of concert ticket sales.

Key Characteristics of Classical Music

• Rhythm: A natural and regular rhythm.
• Melody: Simple, memorable, and with little ornamentation.
• Harmony: Clear with simple time signatures.
• Texture: Based on accompanied melody; the figured bass disappeared.
• Forms: New instrumental forms including the symphony, sonata, concerto, and quartet.
• Ensembles: The symphony orchestra and the chamber orchestra.

Musical Structure and Form

Musical form refers to how music is organized and structured. Types include:

• Vocal: Compositions featuring only voices.
• Instrumental: Compositions featuring only instruments.
• Simple: Short pieces with a single movement.
• Strophic: Repetitive structures (e.g., AA).

The Sonata Form

The classical sonata was a defining creation of this period. A sonata is a composition with a maximum of four movements featuring contrasting sections (fast, slow, quite fast, and fast). The term “sonata form” also refers to the structure of the first movement: exposition, development, and recapitulation.

Religious Music in the Classical Era

While composers wrote less religious music during the Classical period, significant examples remain, such as:

• The Creation by Haydn
• Requiem Mass and Mass in C Major by Mozart
• Missa Solemnis by Beethoven

A requiem is a work composed to honor a person who has died and can also refer to the music of a Mass for the dead.