Classical and Baroque Music: Forms and History
Classical Music
Born in 1750, Classical music is lighter and more graceful than Baroque music. It refers to music written between approximately 1750 and 1820.
Classical Orchestral Music
In the 18th century, orchestras had developed, but they were much smaller. Composers used keyboard instruments to play chords and make the music sound fuller.
The Symphony
A symphony is a large-scale work for orchestra. It appeared in the Classical period. The first symphonies were usually in three movements, but later, they often had four.
The Concerto
A concerto is a work for one or more soloists and orchestra, usually in three movements. It showcases a soloist’s skill. Towards the end of a movement, the soloist often plays a difficult passage called a cadenza.
The Overture
An overture is a piece for orchestra, usually in a single movement. Overtures first appeared during early Baroque times. Classical composers, such as Mozart, began to link the opera overture to the opera itself by using some of the same melodies or tunes.
Classical Sonata
The Classical sonata contained some elements of both the Baroque trio and solo sonatas. It has several movements and is written for one or two instruments alone: piano, or violin and keyboard.
Chamber Music
Chamber music is written for a group of solo players. In the past, it was played in the homes of noblemen, but today, it is often performed in concert halls.
Music to Listen To:
- Orchestral: Haydn, Surprise
- Chamber: Haydn, Quartet in C
Baroque Music
The name “Baroque” describes a highly ornamental style of European art, architecture, and music from around 1600 to 1750.
Harmony
From around 1600, music began to consist of one main tune, accompanied by low-sounding bass parts and chords, played on a keyboard instrument such as a harpsichord or organ.
Public Concerts
Most composers were employed by wealthy individuals or the church to write music for religious services and for entertainments at court.
Public concerts were events where the audience paid to see a performance.
This meant that composers could now write music to suit the tastes of a much wider audience, rather than just the church or nobility.
Orchestras
Orchestras began in the 1600s.
The first orchestras were very casual, and composers included instruments and players that were available.
There were usually violins, as well as cellos or bassoons, and a harpsichord or organ to play the basso continuo part. There could also be violas, oboes, horns, trumpets, and drums.
New Types of Music
Baroque composers began to write longer works: suite, concerto, and sonata.
- Suite: A collection of instrumental pieces (dance tunes) designed to be played one after the other. Their style and rhythm were based on Baroque dances.
- Concertos: Two types:
- Concerto grosso: For a small group of instruments and an orchestra.
- Solo concerto: An orchestral piece with one or two soloists.
- Sonatas:
- Trio sonata: A piece in a few sections, or movements, for one or two instruments with basso continuo.
- Solo sonatas for one instrument and continuo became more popular after 1700.
Music to Listen To:
- Suite: Rameau, Harpsichord Suites; Bach, Orchestral Suite, No. 1
- Concerto grosso: Corelli, Concerto Grosso, Op. 6, No. 2
- Solo concerto: Vivaldi, Op. 8, Nos. 1-4, ‘The Four Seasons’