the period of Western classical music between 1750 and 1820

a long composition for orchestra, usually consisting of four shorter pieces (movements)

a three-movement solo composition, and a structure with exposition, development and recapitulation

melodic phrases which are equal in length and have complementary melodic shapes

Can you identify the Classical melody? Clip 1

British English CC

Can you identify the Classical melody? Clip 2

Listen again to the phrase lengths - what do you notice? Clip 1

Listen again to the phrase lengths - what do you notice? Clip 2

In this example, Mozart uses 2-bar phrases and balanced phrasing:

In what ways does Mozart create balanced phrasing?

Can you pick out both of those parts in this clip?

Listen to the accompaniment on its own. How would you describe it?

C major chord

becomes

The Classical period

Music

The Baroque period

The Romantic period

Texture and harmony across the eras

Classical music in the 20th century

This unit builds on the Introduction to the WCT unit, exploring the Baroque, Classical and Romantic periods in greater depth, assessing the development of key musical trends, and finishing with a look at developments in the 20th century.

The Western Classical Tradition: extended

sonata form with exposition, development, and recapitulation

Which of these correctly describes the first movement of a Classical symphony?

The section of sonata form where the musical themes are introduced is called the {{}}.

They became smaller with fewer instruments.

They became larger with more varied instruments.

They were replaced by solo keyboard instruments.

How did orchestras change during the Classical period compared to the Baroque period?

solo instrument with three contrasting movements

Match each type of composition to its key feature.

A sonata is a three-movement work for solo instrument.

Sonata form is a structure with exposition, development, and recapitulation.

The first movement of a sonata is normally in sonata form.

Sonata form and a sonata are exactly the same thing.

Which statement is not true about sonatas and sonata form?

Which of these was a new genre that became especially important during the Classical period?

a structure with exposition, development, and recapitulation

a dance movement in triple time, often the 3rd movement of a symphony

a multi-movement work for orchestra, usually with four movements

short, balanced, and with limited ornamentation

Which of these best describes melodies in Classical period music?

Which of these textures is typical of Classical period music?

The third movement of a Classical symphony was often a __________ and trio.

How many movements does a Classical symphony usually have?

A multi-movement composition for a solo instrument, often for keyboard, is called a {{}}.

Starter Quiz

Match each term to its meaning.