Classicism: Orchestras, Symphonies, and Sonata Forms
Classicism
The Classical Orchestra and the Symphony
The period between 1750 and 1800 witnessed the consolidation of the symphony orchestra. The foundation of the classical symphony orchestra was the string section, comprising first and second violins, violas, cellos, and contrabasses.
Initially, horns had limitations, leading to the development of the bassoon to produce more notes. The bassoon was regularly used during the Classical era and later gained autonomy. The clarinet also saw significant development. During the late 18th century, the harpsichord was gradually replaced by the pianoforte.
The Sonata
The sonata was a basic form of the Classical period, consisting of:
- Introduction and Exposition: Melodic themes are introduced.
- Development: These themes undergo melodic variations, with new themes emerging and changes in tonality.
- Recapitulation: Melodic themes from the beginning reappear.
A New Mentality: A New Music
The evolution of music went through a transition period called Pre-Classicism between 1730 and 1770. This era rejected Baroque principles and solidified the characteristics that would dominate the Classical era (1770-1800).
Key characteristics include:
- Classical composers moved away from the stark contrasts of the Baroque period.
- Terraced dynamics were rejected in favor of gradual crescendos and diminuendos.
- Sudden tempo changes were avoided in favor of gradual shifts.
- The basso continuo was abandoned.
- Melodies became symmetrical, typically articulated in eight-bar phrases.
Instrumental Music
In Pre-Classicism, musicians like Stamitz and Sanmartini successfully introduced the sonata form into the first movement of the symphony. While sonatas and symphonies shared this structure, a key difference was that the sonata was for a solo instrument, while the symphony was for a full orchestra. Joseph Haydn established the definitive four-movement structure.
Classicism triumphed in this form for three reasons:
- Composers found it appealing.
- Public concerts became more frequent, creating demand.
- Instrumental refinement improved.
Changes in the Orchestra
Baroque Opera
Baroque opera singers sought acclaim through ornamentation, high notes, and speed, often competing for fame. The Classical era rejected this practice in favor of credibility, creating simpler, unadorned melodies and giving greater prominence to the choir, which became integral to the drama.
Interludes between opera acts were called entreactos. In Classicism, this changed. Comic opera was no longer interspersed within serious opera but became a separate genre called opera buffa. Key features of opera buffa include:
- Characters are ordinary people.
- Melodies are simple, often inspired by popular tunes.
- Singing voices previously rejected by opera seria are introduced.
- Comic effects, such as onomatopoeia or rapid recitations, are employed.