Classical Music: Key Concepts from Bach to Beethoven
The Classical Music Era (c. 1750–Early 19th Century)
1. Chronology and Historical Context
- The period spans from the death of J.S. Bach (1750) to the premiere of Beethoven’s 3rd Symphony (1805).
- The era saw the beginning of the fall and the power of decadence setting in.
2. Sociocultural Aspects: “Sapere Aude”
The Latin phrase Sapere Aude means “Dare to Know.”
3. Instrumental Music
3.1. Key Instrumental Genres
- Symphony
- Chamber Music
- Concerto
3.2. Sonata Form Structure
The primary sections of Sonata Form are:
- Exposition
- Development
- Recapitulation
This structure was significantly developed by composers like Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach (C.P.E. Bach).
3.3. Tempo Relationships (Movement Order)
Matching typical movement numbers to tempo characteristics:
- Fast Allegro: 1
- Slow Tempo: 2
- Dance (Minuet/Scherzo): 3
- Fast Energetic: 4
4. Vocal Music and Opera Reform
4.1. Characteristics of Vocal Works
- Key figure: Christoph Willibald Gluck (implied).
- Focus on “normal” characters of daily life.
- Themes explored include: bravery, intelligence, goodness, cowardliness, envy, greed, and malice.
- Plots often reflected real-life situations relatable to the spectators.
5. Major Composers by Region
Connecting composers to their country of origin:
- Italy: Muzio, Luigi, Antonio.
- Austria: Wolfgang, Franz.
- Spain: Vicente.
- Germany: Christoph, Carl.
6. Orchestral Instrument Classification
Instrument Families and Examples
- Plucked: None listed (No hay).
- Struck: Pianoforte.
- Bowed: Viola.
- Woodwind: Oboe, Clarinet.
- Brass: Horn.
- Percussion: Tympani.
7. Listening Definitions (Genre Characteristics)
- Symphony: Performed by the full orchestra (toda la orquesta).
- Concerto: Features a solo instrument (instrumento solo).
- Chamber Music: Performed by few instruments (pocos instrumentos).
- Opera: Vocal performance (cantar).
8. Melody Example (Solfège Notation)
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