Subtopics:
- Characteristics
- Instrumental
- Sonata
- Classical Symphony
- Vocal
- Composers
Note about Classical Music: When we think of "Classical Music,"
we often are referring to any music played by an orchestra or any opera
music. However, when studying music history, the word "Classical" refers
to the music written between 1750 and 1820. |
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The years of the Classical Period saw many changes in the world. The
French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars changed the face of Europe.
During the Classical period it became more and more possible for the public
to enjoy and participate in leisure activities. Thus, in the music world,
the patronage system of the Baroque began to die out and was replaced by
the first public concerts where people paid to attend.
Instead of the sudden changes in style and trills of Baroque music, the music of the Classical period
tended to be simple, balanced, and non-emotional. Music had straightforward
titles like "Symphony No. 1" instead of flowery descriptive titles. Known
as absolute music, classical works were written for their own sake,
not for dancing or any other special occasion. It was performed in the
recital or concert hall.
The most important classical composers were Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Franz
Joseph Haydn, and Ludwig van Beethoven.
Vienna was the musical center of Europe, and most serious composers spent
part of their lives there.
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