The Classical Style

The Classical Style

Characteristics of the Classical Style

• Clear and balanced structures were characteristic of Classical music, leading to what is often thought of as a more ‘orderly’ style than the previous Baroque era.

• Melody and Accompaniment: This style popularised the use of a clear, singable melody, often supported by chordal accompaniment.

• Emphasised tonality, with a clear sense of key and strict adherence to the rules of harmony.

Classical Forms

• Development of new musical forms such as the Symphony, the Sonata, and the Concerto.

• Rise of the Sonata Form, often used in the first and sometimes last movement of a piece.

• Use of Theme and Variations, an approach where a theme is presented and then altered in some way in a succession of individual variations.

Role of Instruments

• Strings were the most important section in a Classical Orchestra.

• The Woodwind section attained independence during this era, often playing more than just a supporting role.

Important Composers

• Prominent composers of this era include Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Joseph Haydn, and Ludwig van Beethoven.

• Their music illustrates the classical style’s emphasis on balance, clarity, and form.

Shift from Baroque to Classical

• Classical music moved away from the complex, layered compositions characteristic of Baroque music.

• Emphasis on musical complexity and ornamentation reduced in favour of clear melodic lines and simpler harmonic structures.

Remember, understanding the Classical Style is crucial to grasp how music evolved over time and how various composers contributed to it.