MUSIC (Grade 9)
2nd Quarter
MUSIC OF THE
CLASSICAL PERIOD
MUSIC OF THE CLASSICAL PERIOD
(1750-1820)
The classical era, also called “Age of Reason”, is the period from
1750-1820. The cultural life was dominated by the aristocracy, as
patrons of musicians and artists who generally influenced the arts.
Significant changes in musical forms and styles were made.
The term “classical” denotes conformity with the principles and
characteristics of ancient Greece and Roman literature and art which
were formal, elegant, simple, freed and dignified.
Harmony and texture is homophonic in general.
VOCAL and
INSTRUMENTAL
MUSIC
SONATA
A multi-movement work for solo instrument, Sonata came
from the word “Sonare” which means to make a sound. This
term is applied to a variety of works for a solo instrument such
as keyboard or violin.
There are three movements in a Sonata:
1st Movement: Allegro – fast movement
2nd Movement: Slow tempo: (Andante, Largo, etc.), mostly
lyrical and emotional.
3rd Movement: Minuet: It is in three-four time and in a
moderate or fast tempo.
SONATA ALLEGRO Form
The most important form that developed during the classical
era consists of 3 distinct sections:
1. Exposition - the first part of a composition in sonata form
that introduces the theme.
2. Development is the middle part of the sonata-allegro
form wherein themes are being developed
3. Recapitulation - repeats the theme as they first emerge in
the opening exposition
CONCERTO
Concerto is a multi-movement work designed for an instrumental
soloist and orchestra. A concerto has three movements:
1st Movement: Fast - Sonata-allegro form with expositions of
the orchestra and then by the soloist.
2nd Movement: Slow - Has more ornamentation than the First
movement.
3rd Movement: Fast - Finale: usually in a form of rondo,
resembling the last movement of the symphony and usually a
short cadenza is used.
SYMPHONY
A multi-movement work for orchestra, the symphony is derived from
the word “Sinfonia” which literally means “a harmonious sounding
together”. It is a classical music for the whole orchestra. It generally
in four movements:
1st Movement: Fast - Sonata-allegro form
2nd Movement: Slow - gentle, lyrical – typical ABA form or
theme and variation
3rd Movement: Medium/Fast - uses a dance form (Minuet or
scherzo)
4th Movement: Fast - typically, Rondo or Sonata form
CLASSICAL OPERA
Opera is a drama set to music where singers and musicians perform
in a theatrical setting. It has two distinct styles:
1. The Opera Seria (serious opera) usually implies heroic or tragic
drama that employs mythological characters, which was inherited
from the Baroque period.
2. The Opera Buffa (comic opera) from Italy made use of everyday
characters and situations, and typically employed spoken
dialogues, lengthy arias and was spiced with sight gags, naughty
humor and social satire.
Other important terms
Singspiel - An opera based on a serious plot that usually revolves around
mythological beings such as gods and goddesses.
Aria - A separate song, usually for one voice.
Recitative - Is the style of delivery in which a singer can adopt the rhythms
and delivery of the ordinary speech.
Bel Canto - This Italian phrase means “beautiful singing”.
Grand Opera – A spectacular opera.
Music Drama - A style of opera that is created by a single artist who writes
both the text and the music and to advance the drama.
Alberti Bass - A special type of broken chord accompaniment where the
chord is played in this order: lowest note - highest note - middle note –
highest note then repeats the pattern.
COMPOSERS OF THE
CLASSICAL PERIOD
FRANZ JOSPEH HAYDN
■ He is one of the most prominent composers of
the classical period. His life is described as a
“rags-to-riches” story. He came from a poor
family and his music led to his rise in social
status.
■ He was named, “Father of the Symphony”
■ Most of his symphonies have nicknames such as
the “Surprise Symphony”, “The Clock”, “The
Military”.
WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART
■ Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is a child prodigy and the
most amazing genius in musical history. He
experimented in all kinds of music and composed over
700 works. Unfortunately, due to mismanaged finances
he lived his life in poverty.
■ He composed wonderful concertos, symphonies and
opera such as “The Marriage of Figaro”, “Don
Giovanni”, and “The Magic Flute” which became
popular. Other known works: “Eine Kleine
Nachtmusik”, “Symphony No. 40 in G Major”, and
“Sonata No. 11 in A Major K311.”
LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN
■ He was the composer who bridged the late Classical era and the
early Romantic era. He was a talented pianist and composer.
■ He began to go deaf in 1796 but this did not become a
hindrance. He continued composing through the help of an
assistant and hearing gadget. Some of his famous compositions
were made when he was deaf.
■ His works include:
■ Famous symphonies are: Symphony No. 3 (Eroica), No. 5, No.
6 (Pastoral), No. 9 (Choral).
■ Other famous works:
Piano Sonata no 14 in c sharp minor (Moonlight) 1st movement
Piano Concerto no. 5 “Emperor” in E flat major
Symphon"y No. 5, Op. 67, C Minor
“Fur Elise”
Did you know?
Works of Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven are still popular today.
Their compositions are now commonly used as music to
animated series of popular cartoon companies such as Looney
Toons, Warner Brothers, 20th Century Fox, Pixar, etc.
Here are some examples, watch and listen to these videos…
Piano Sonata No 11 in A major (Rondo) 3rd
movement
Used in Tom and Jerry
Piano Sonata no 14 in C#m (Moonlight) 1st
movement
Used in The Ring
Symphony No. 5
Used in Popeye
Fur Elise
Used in Little Einstein
Eine Kleine Nachtmusik
Used in Mr. Bean
Generalization
Music of the Classical Era is usually associated with the
nobility. During that time most of the members of the nobility
would financially support the musicians. Music was played in the
courts which make the music of the classical era more familiar to
the nobility than the lower classes.
This association of the rich and Classical music is still being
experienced in some parts of the world.
However, with the dawn of radio and TV, classical music may
now be experienced by the masses.
ACTIVITIES YOU
NEED TO DO IN
MUSIC Module 1 to 4
MUSIC Module 1:
“Let’s Learn”
MUSIC Module 1:
“Let’s Dig In”
MUSIC Module 3:
“Let’s Try”
Reminder: There is no Module 2 in Music.
The next one is entitled Module 3. So even
if its is Module 3, it is just the second
module.
MUSIC Module 3:
“Let’s Evaluate”
MUSIC Module 4:
“Let’s Evaluate”
MUSIC Module 5:
“Let’s Try”
MUSIC Module 5:
“Let’s Evaluate”
MUSIC Module 5:
“Let’s Evaluate”
Thank you for listening!
See you in our next
lesson!
