Classical and Nationalist Music: Eras, Composers, Works

Classical Music Era: Forms, Instruments, Reforms

Defining the Classical Period (Mid-18th to Early 19th)

The Classical period in music spans from the mid-18th to the early 19th century, generally marked by the death of J.S. Bach in 1750 and the premiere of Beethoven's Third Symphony, Eroica, in 1805.

Operatic Reforms by Christoph Willibald Gluck

Operatic reforms during the Classical period were primarily led by the composer Christoph Willibald Gluck, who sought to simplify opera and make it more dramatically coherent.

Key Musical Forms of the Classical Period

• Concerto: A musical composition where one solo instrument plays a leading role, accompanied by an orchestra.
• Symphony: A large-scale work of music composed specifically for an orchestra, typically consisting of four movements:
  1. Rapid (Allegro) movement, often in sonata form.
  2. Slow movement.
  3. French dance (Minuet) or Scherzo.
  4. Fast and energetic tempo, often a rondo or sonata form.
• Chamber Music: Music composed for a small group of instruments, with one player per part. The most popular form was the String Quartet (comprising two violins, one viola, and one cello).

Classical Period Instruments

Instruments of this era included:

• String Instruments:
  • Plucked strings: Harp, Guitar
  • Struck strings: Piano (a significant novelty)
  • Bowed strings: Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass
• Wind Instruments: A notable innovation in this period was the incorporation of the clarinet and bassoon into the orchestra.
• Percussion Instruments: Primarily timpani.

Musical Nationalism: The Collective Voice of a Nation

Rise of Nationalism in Music

In the Nationalistic period, musicians transmitted the collective voice of their homeland, synthesizing it through folk songs, popular tales, and cultural traditions they wished to highlight. These composers were often considered national heroes, and their music frequently called for the freedom and pride of their nation.

Origins in Russia: Mikhail Glinka

The first awakenings of musical Nationalism appeared in Russia with Mikhail Glinka. Musical dramas were effectively used to transmit nationalist sentiments, serving as a powerful way to spread ideas within society. This approach led to compositions rich in variety, melodic, rhythmic, and harmonic complexity, giving rise to new scales and rhythms influenced by the popular music of each country.

Spanish Musical Nationalism: Key Figures

Felipe Pedrell (1841-1922): The Mentor

Felipe Pedrell was a pivotal figure in Spanish musical nationalism, influencing many younger composers, including Manuel de Falla.

Enrique Granados (1867-1916): A Spanish Master

Born in Lleida in 1867, Enrique Granados traveled to Paris at the age of 20. He gave concerts throughout Europe and, upon returning to Barcelona, dedicated himself to composition, conducting an orchestra, and teaching. His notable composition is Goyescas.

Manuel de Falla (1876-1946): Iconic Spanish Composer

Born in Cádiz in 1876, Manuel de Falla is one of the most recognized Spanish composers. At the age of 20, he met Felipe Pedrell, who profoundly influenced his embrace of musical nationalism. King Alfonso XIII enabled him to live in Paris, where he met prominent composers such as Debussy, Dukas, and Ravel. His notable compositions include Nights in the Gardens of Spain, La Vida Breve (opera), and El Amor Brujo (ballet).

Joaquín Turina (1882-1949)

Joaquín Turina was another significant Spanish composer of this period.

Notable Works & Historical Context

• Priests recognized Mozart's Eine Kleine Nachtmusik and Serenata Notturna.
• The execution of Marie Antoinette occurred on October 16, 1793.
• Beaumarchais, a Parisian writer, penned two important comedies: The Barber of Seville and The Marriage of Figaro. These works led to two famous operas, satirizing the ruling class and reflecting popular dissatisfaction.
• The musical Ay Amor premiered successfully in Brussels and Brasília in 1995.
• In Manuel de Falla's ballet El Amor Brujo, a gypsy bewitches her husband. The work premiered at Teatro Lara in Madrid.
• In Manuel de Falla's opera La Vida Breve, a gypsy decides to make her own life. This opera won a composition contest in Madrid and was later released in Nice.