Classical Era Flashcards, test questions and answers
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What is Classical Era?
The Classical Era (1750-1820) was a period of great musical change, exploration, and growth. It is often remembered for its development of symphonic form, with composers such as Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven leading the way. The Classical Era marked the emergence of instrumental music as a dominant form over vocal music. This era saw an increased focus on structure and harmony in composition, creating a more unified musical experience.During the Classical Era, many composers sought to create works that maintained balance between elements such as melody, harmony and rhythm. This led to an emphasis on clarity in writing and greater attention to detail in terms of phrasing and texture. Compositions began to have clear sections with distinct beginnings and endings; this became known as sonata form. The use of dynamic contrast was also explored during this period from gentle pianissimos to powerful fortissimos giving listeners a wider range of sound experiences than ever before heard in classical music.The Classical Era also saw advances in instrumentation technology which enabled musicians to expand their repertoire beyond what was previously possible. For example, new instruments such as the clarinet were introduced during this time which allowed for greater freedom of expression within compositions. In addition to developing instrumental techniques, composers also experimented with different types of ensembles such as string quartets or concerti grossi (large group pieces). Overall the Classical Era is remembered fondly by many classical music fans today due its sophistication and beauty; it is often described as one of the pinnacles of Western classical music history.