Music

The Music of the Classical Period was a product of the humanistic attitudes of the Enlightenment and the growing influence of the middle class who wanted music in a more orderly and less complex style.

MOZART FAMILY IN 1780

Melodic lines in the Classical Period are presented one at a time with clear phrases and formal symmetry. Emotional restraint and broad appeal are valued over needless complexity.

THEATER AN DER WIEN (VIENNA) 1815

Performances continued to take place in aristocratic homes, however, public concert halls were built to provide the middle class with opportunities to purchase tickets for public performances.

To understand the music of the Classical Period, it is essential to know the basic genres and forms of the time.

CLASSICAL PERIOD GENRES
Symphony
Concerto
Chamber Music
Opera

CLASSICAL PERIOD FORMS
Variations Form
Ternary Form
Rondo Form
Sonata Form

HYBRID FORMS
Double Exposition Form
Sonata Rondo Form