Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
- Characteristics of the Classical Style
- Contrast of Mood
- Fluctuations in mood
- Contrasting themes
- Rhythm
- Flexibility of rhythm à variety
- Includes unexpected pauses, syncopations, frequent changes from long to short notes
- Texture
- Mostly homophonic
- Flexible textures à changes at different part of the piece
- Melody
- Tuneful, easy to remember
- Balanced and symmetrical
- Made up of 2 phrases of same length
- 2nd phrase ends conclusively
- Easy to sing
- Dynamics and the Piano
- Gradual dynamic changes (crescendo, decrescendo)
- Replacement of harpsichord by piano
- The End of the Basso Continuo
- No need to improvise accompaniment
- Composers had more control
- The Classical Orchestra
- New orchestra
- Strings: violins, violas, cellos, double basses
- Woodwinds: flutes, clarinets, bassoons
- Brass: French horns, trumpets
- Percussion: timpani
- Greater number of musicians than in Baroque
- Strings most important section
- Melody most of the time
- Woodwinds: contrasting tone colours, melodic solos
- Horns and trumpet: power, filled out harmony
- Timpani: rhythmic bite, emphasis
- Classical Forms
- Compositions consist of several movements that contrast in tempo and character
- Often 4 movements:
- 1. Fast movement
- 2. Slow movement
- 3. Dance-related movement
- 4. Fast movement
- Symphonies
- Written for orchestra
- 4 movements
- String quartet
- Written for 2 violins, viola, cello
- 4 movements
- Sonata
- Written for 1 or 2 instruments
- 2, 3, or 4 movements
No comments:
Post a Comment