Masterworks and Forms of the Classical Music Era

The Classical Period (1750–1800)

The first state-run conservatory was established in Paris in 1795.

The period 1720–1790 aligns with the *Enlightenment*. The Classical era emphasized naturalness over artifice. This period also saw the rise of industrialization, such as engine cotton manufacturing.

Music and Language

Classical Movement Structure

The typical four-movement structure often includes:

• First Movement: Fast tempo, typically in Sonata Form, characteristic of the Classical period.
• Second Movement: Slower tempo.
• Third Movement: Minuet (or Scherzo), usually in triple meter.
• Fourth Movement (Finale): Lighter and fast, often combining Sonata and Rondo forms.

Key Terminology

Modulating: The process of moving from one key to another.

During 1750–1800, musical texture was often similar to the Baroque period, though homophony became increasingly dominant.

Key Composers and Musical Examples

1. Joseph Haydn

String Quartet in C Major, Op. 76, No. 3 ("Emperor"), Second Movement

Descriptive Note: The melody is deeply emotional, reminiscent of a sad journey or the feeling evoked by the film *Titanic*.

Instrumentation includes two violins, a viola, and a cello, often described as a "conversation of four friends." The form is ABA Theme and Variation, utilizing both homophonic and polyphonic textures.

2. Master Musicians of the Ikuta-ryu

"Cherry Blossom" (Sakura)

Descriptive Note: The sound suggests the pulling of a thread or resembles a piano.

The central instrument is the Koto, a traditional instrument from Japan. Many Japanese melodies carry extramusical connotations and utilize five-tone modes, also known as pentatonic scales. The form is Theme and Variation, exhibiting monophonic, homophonic, and polyphonic textures.

3. Joseph Haydn

Symphony No. 102 in B-flat Major, Third and Fourth Movements

These movements were part of the concert series performed in London in 1795.

Descriptive Note: The music suggests waltz dancing. It begins emotionally, pauses briefly (about two seconds), and then resumes loudly. Features a full orchestra, sometimes incorporating a "Surprise" element.

• Third Movement (Minuet): Uses ABA Ternary Form. The minuet is a courtly dance.
• Fourth Movement (Finale): Lighter than the preceding movements, providing a "happy end." Uses Rondo Form.

Haydn is credited with establishing the four-movement structure for the string quartet.

4. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Symphony No. 40 in G Minor, K. 550, First Movement

Descriptive Note: The music is very fast, characterized by a distinctive rhythmic motif. At one point, the intensity increases dramatically, suggesting conflict or "war."

The movement is in Sonata Form, consisting of three main parts:

1. Exposition
2. Development
3. Recapitulation

The movement often explores the transition from minor keys to major keys.

5. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Piano Concerto in A Major, K. 488, First Movement

Descriptive Note: Recognizable by the sound of the piano and flute-like passages; it begins slowly and gradually increases in speed.

The form is Double-Exposition Concerto Form.

• Cadenza: A solo section, often improvised, occurring near the end of the movement.
• Half Cadences: Frequently found at the end of phrases.

6. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

*The Marriage of Figaro*, Act I, "Cosa sento"

Genre: Comic Opera. Features accompanied recitative. Descriptive Note: The piece begins with the phrase "Cosa sento," featuring a character's voice followed by a female voice. The musical form is Rondo (ABA).

7. Jinju

*The Reunion*

Descriptive Note: The sounds resemble pots clanging, suggesting a ritualistic atmosphere.

Jinju is a traditional form of Chinese opera, today primarily developed in Beijing. It utilizes pentatonic scales and heterophony.

8. William Billings

"Chester"

This piece is associated with the fight for freedom and American Independence. Descriptive Note: The song features multiple voices singing for peace.

Musical characteristics include periodic phrase structure, changing textures, and evolving harmonies. Billings was a key figure supporting the American struggle for Independence.