The Influences of the Classical Period

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“There was no one near to confuse me, so I was forced to become original.” This quote is by Joseph Haydn, an Austrian composer who was one of the most prominent during the Classical Period. His signature place in this Period was shared with other great composers like Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and Ludwig van Beethoven. The music during the Classical Period significantly changed after the Baroque Period. The techniques and tastes during this Period changed from loudly expressive and ornate, to simply beautiful and straightforward. The music of the new Period was light and clear, and it was not alone. As it always does, the architecture changes with the culture and the Classical feel was visible through it. Obviously, the Classical Period expressed itself in many different ways, through the composers who defined it, the music they created, and the architecture aspects during this time that was influenced by the culture. With the new Period, came new techniques and tastes. Classical music was much different than it’s predecessor, Baroque music. Where Baroque music was loud, expressive, and florid, Classical music was light, clear, and uncomplicated. The harpsichord, which was popular during the Baroque Period, was replaced with the piano, taking over all the roles that the harpsichord once had. There was more variety in Classical music, having more dynamic in it’s melodies and rhythms. Operas went more out of fashion during the Classical Period, as instrumental music became of central importance. Sonatas became very popular with their structural build up to larger works or solitary pieces in a performance such as overtures. Music isn’t the only thing that changed during this Period. The... ... middle of paper ... ...music with the last of these helping bring in the next Period in history, the Romantic Period. And with culture-influenced architecture, the world expressed its new style in all aspect. All in all, the Classical Period was a welcome time, full of beautiful and lighthearted music and culture, leaving the Baroque Period behind, and being the bridge to the Romantic Period after it. Works Cited Smith J. & Carlson B. (1995) Gift of Music. Illinois: Good News Publishing. Pogue D. & Speck S. (1997) Classical Music for Dummies. New Jersey: Wiley Publishing, Inc. http://classicalmusic.about.com/od/classicalperiod/tp/Top-Classical-Period-Composers.htm http://architecture.about.com/od/periodsstyles/ig/Historic-Styles/Postmodernism.-11d.htm http://www.classicfm.com/discover/music/inspiring-composer-quotes/joseph-haydn/ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classical_period_(music)

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