Classical Era. Classicism Defined The period of the ancient Greeks and Romans A standard (enduring) Genre of music Time period The period of the ancient.

Classical EraClassical Era

Classicism DefinedClassicism Defined

The period of the ancient Greeks and Romans

A standard (enduring)

Genre of music

Time period

The period of the ancient Greeks and Romans

A standard (enduring)

Genre of music

Time period

1750-1820

ArchitectureArchitectureRecalled ancient classical

U.S. Capital

Monticello

Recalled ancient classical

U.S. Capital

Monticello

Music of the Classical Era

Music of the Classical Era

Began: death of Bach

Ended: Beethoven (mid-life)

Began: death of Bach

Ended: Beethoven (mid-life)

Classical ThinkingClassical Thinking

Reason was supreme

Sought the perfect society

Enlightenment

Beauty

Rules were valuable

Reason was supreme

Sought the perfect society

Enlightenment

Beauty

Rules were valuable

Music of the Classical Era

Music of the Classical Era

Written for middle class

Non-sophisticated Listener

Simple and Melodic Themes

Large Room

Movements have beginning, middle, end

Easier to play

Written for middle class

Non-sophisticated Listener

Simple and Melodic Themes

Large Room

Movements have beginning, middle, end

Easier to play

LIFE-TIME-LINESLIFE-TIME-LINES

BEETHOVEN 1770-1827

MOZART 1756-1789

HAYDN 1732-1809

1770 1820

Joseph HaydnJoseph HaydnFather figure to Mozart and BeethovenWorked for Prince Esterhazy Father of the symphonyIncluded jokes in his symphoniesWrote in most genresFreely gave time and adviceRelationship with Mozart

Father figure to Mozart and BeethovenWorked for Prince Esterhazy Father of the symphonyIncluded jokes in his symphoniesWrote in most genresFreely gave time and adviceRelationship with Mozart

“I write my music in order that the weary and worn or the men burdened with affairs might enjoy a few minutes of solace and refreshment.”

— Haydn

“I write my music in order that the weary and worn or the men burdened with affairs might enjoy a few minutes of solace and refreshment.”

— Haydn

Haydn?Haydn?

Haydn was a traditionalist first.

Haydn believed that ISOLATION forces one to be come an original.

He was isolated in the Esterhazy Palace for most of his career. His music is original.

Beethoven will realize this pathos later in in career.

Haydn was a traditionalist first.

Haydn believed that ISOLATION forces one to be come an original.

He was isolated in the Esterhazy Palace for most of his career. His music is original.

Beethoven will realize this pathos later in in career.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

1756-1791

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

1756-1791Born in Salzburg

7th child of Leopola and Anna Maria

only he and sister Nannerl survived infancy

Born in Salzburg

7th child of Leopola and Anna Maria

only he and sister Nannerl survived infancy

The Mozart FamilyThe Mozart Family

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Began composing before age 5

Life of depression and creativity

In Salzburg

Court composer

Vienna

Friendship with Haydn

Struggle for money

Began composing before age 5

Life of depression and creativity

In Salzburg

Court composer

Vienna

Friendship with Haydn

Struggle for money

Mozart played for kings and queens.

This portrait of him was painted in 1762, when he was

six years old.

Mozart played for kings and queens.

This portrait of him was painted in 1762, when he was

six years old. Children during Mozart’s time dressed just like adults. He just finished playing for Empress Maria Theresa of Austria.

As Mozart grew older, his

reputation spread. Not only was he a gifted musician, but he could also compose his own

music.

As Mozart grew older, his

reputation spread. Not only was he a gifted musician, but he could also compose his own

music. Mozart at 14, 1770. Mozart at 14, 1770.

Mozart’s MusicMozart’s Music

Simple melodies

Contrasting moods

Rich orchestration

Perfected the serenade

Simple melodies

Contrasting moods

Rich orchestration

Perfected the serenade

Able to hear complete pieces in his headCapability for output

10 years:8 Symphonies17 Piano Concertos6 OperasClarinet quartet and quintetRequiem Mass11 String Quartets5 String QuintetsMany Individual Works

Able to hear complete pieces in his headCapability for output

10 years:8 Symphonies17 Piano Concertos6 OperasClarinet quartet and quintetRequiem Mass11 String Quartets5 String QuintetsMany Individual Works

“Though it be long, the work is complete and finished in my mind. I take out of the bag of my memory what has previously been collected into it. For this reason the committing to paper is done quickly enough.”

— Mozart

“Though it be long, the work is complete and finished in my mind. I take out of the bag of my memory what has previously been collected into it. For this reason the committing to paper is done quickly enough.”

— Mozart

“What a delight this is I cannot tell — all this producing takes place in a pleasing, lively dream.”

— Mozart

“What a delight this is I cannot tell — all this producing takes place in a pleasing, lively dream.”

— Mozart

This portrait, painted after Mozart’s death, is said to look the most like

him. It was painted in 1819.

This portrait, painted after Mozart’s death, is said to look the most like

him. It was painted in 1819.

Mozart was 35 years old when

he died in 1791. In his short life he wrote over

600 compositions.

Mozart was 35 years old when

he died in 1791. In his short life he wrote over

600 compositions.

Ludwig Van BeethovenLudwig Van Beethoven

1770-1827.

Born in Bonn.

Died in Vienna.

1770-1827.

Born in Bonn.

Died in Vienna.

Young adulthoodYoung adulthood

Beethoven went to Vienna, Austria to learn more about composing when he was 17; played for Mozart

He had to return home when his mother died, and help raise his brothers.

Returned to Austria, studied with Haydn

Became a “rock star” at improvisation (‘duels’)

Helped make the piano popular

Beethoven went to Vienna, Austria to learn more about composing when he was 17; played for Mozart

He had to return home when his mother died, and help raise his brothers.

Returned to Austria, studied with Haydn

Became a “rock star” at improvisation (‘duels’)

Helped make the piano popular

“I carry my thoughts within me long, often very long before I write them down. As I know what I want, the fundamental idea never deserts me. It mounts, it grows in stature. I hear, I see the picture in its whole extent standing all of a piece before my spirit, and there remains for me only the task of writing it down.”

-Beethoven

“I carry my thoughts within me long, often very long before I write them down. As I know what I want, the fundamental idea never deserts me. It mounts, it grows in stature. I hear, I see the picture in its whole extent standing all of a piece before my spirit, and there remains for me only the task of writing it down.”

-Beethoven

Beethoven’s MusicBeethoven’s MusicWas the transition from the Classical to the Romantic Period

Famous works3rd Symphony (Eroica)

5th Symphony (Fate)

9th Symphony (Ode to Joy)

Moonlight Sonata

Sonata Appassionata

Sonata Pathetique

Was the transition from the Classical to the Romantic Period

Famous works3rd Symphony (Eroica)

5th Symphony (Fate)

9th Symphony (Ode to Joy)

Moonlight Sonata

Sonata Appassionata

Sonata Pathetique

Jacques Louis DavidJacques Louis David

Napoleonin his studyNapoleon

in his study

Jacques Louis DavidJacques Louis David

Coronation of Napoleon

Beethoven’s DeafnessBeethoven’s Deafness

“Though born with a fiery, active temperament I was soon to withdraw from society, to live a life alone. If at times I tried to forget all this, oh how harshly was I flung back by the doubly sad experience of my bad hearing. Yet it wasn’t possible for me to say to people, “Speak Louder, shout for I am deaf! Ah, how could I possibly admit to an infirmity in the one sense that ought to be more perfect in me than in others, a sense that I once possessed in the highest degree.”

“Though born with a fiery, active temperament I was soon to withdraw from society, to live a life alone. If at times I tried to forget all this, oh how harshly was I flung back by the doubly sad experience of my bad hearing. Yet it wasn’t possible for me to say to people, “Speak Louder, shout for I am deaf! Ah, how could I possibly admit to an infirmity in the one sense that ought to be more perfect in me than in others, a sense that I once possessed in the highest degree.”

1796/8: First signs of deafness

1801: Complains of buzzing in ears in letter to Wegeler; Amenda

1802: “Heiligenstadt testament” - Beethoven writes of his despair at worsening hearing

1814: Further deterioration sets in. Last public appearence as pianist

1816-18: Use of ear trumpets

1818-27: Conversation books. (Conversation had to be written)

1823: Almost totally deaf (left ear not as bad as right)

1796/8: First signs of deafness

1801: Complains of buzzing in ears in letter to Wegeler; Amenda

1802: “Heiligenstadt testament” - Beethoven writes of his despair at worsening hearing

1814: Further deterioration sets in. Last public appearence as pianist

1816-18: Use of ear trumpets

1818-27: Conversation books. (Conversation had to be written)

1823: Almost totally deaf (left ear not as bad as right)

“I am resolved to rise superior to every obstacle. With whom need I be afraid of measuring my own strength? I will take Fate by the throat. It shall not overcome me. O how beautiful it is to be alive—would that I could live a thousand times.”

-Beethoven

“I am resolved to rise superior to every obstacle. With whom need I be afraid of measuring my own strength? I will take Fate by the throat. It shall not overcome me. O how beautiful it is to be alive—would that I could live a thousand times.”

-Beethoven

“How humiliated I have felt if somebody standing beside me heard the sound of a flute in the distance and I heard nothing...It is impossible for me to say to people, ‘Speak louder, for I am deaf.’ How would it be possible for me to admit to a weakness of the one sense that should be perfect to a higher degree in me than in theirs. So forgive me if you see me draw back from your company which I would so gladly share. I would have ended my life. It was only my art that held me back for it seemed impossible to leave the world until I have brought forth all that is within me.”

— Beethoven

“How humiliated I have felt if somebody standing beside me heard the sound of a flute in the distance and I heard nothing...It is impossible for me to say to people, ‘Speak louder, for I am deaf.’ How would it be possible for me to admit to a weakness of the one sense that should be perfect to a higher degree in me than in theirs. So forgive me if you see me draw back from your company which I would so gladly share. I would have ended my life. It was only my art that held me back for it seemed impossible to leave the world until I have brought forth all that is within me.”

— Beethoven

He could hear the music inside his head….and he

wasn’t bothered with other noises around him.

He wrote some of his best music during this time.

He could hear the music inside his head….and he

wasn’t bothered with other noises around him.

He wrote some of his best music during this time.

Patronage SystemPatronage System

Exchange of artistic services for A place to live

A Salary

Clothes

Rank in SocietyDepends on the patron.

Servant to aristocratic patronage.

Exchange of artistic services for A place to live

A Salary

Clothes

Rank in SocietyDepends on the patron.

Servant to aristocratic patronage.

Patronage: a ComparisonPatronage: a Comparison

Haydn: patron was Prince Esterhazy

Mozart: tried to free lance

Beethoven: independent, of the new order of composers

Haydn: patron was Prince Esterhazy

Mozart: tried to free lance

Beethoven: independent, of the new order of composers

Patronage: a ComparisonPatronage: a Comparison

Haydn: patron was Prince Esterhazy

Esterhazy Palace Esterhazy Concert Hall

Haydn: patron was Prince Esterhazy

Esterhazy Palace Esterhazy Concert Hall

“My prince was always satisfied with my works. I not only had the encouragement of constant approval, but as conductor of an orchestra, I could make experiments, observe what produced an effect and what weakened it, and was thus in a position to improve, alter, make additions, or omissions and be as bold as I pleased. I was cut off from the world. There was no one to confuse or torment me. I was forced to become original.”

— Haydn

“My prince was always satisfied with my works. I not only had the encouragement of constant approval, but as conductor of an orchestra, I could make experiments, observe what produced an effect and what weakened it, and was thus in a position to improve, alter, make additions, or omissions and be as bold as I pleased. I was cut off from the world. There was no one to confuse or torment me. I was forced to become original.”

— Haydn

Patronage: a ComparisonPatronage: a ComparisonMozart detested the patronage system (the artist was bound by the whim of the patron)

He didn’t get along with his patron (Prince-Archbishop of Salzburg)

Tried to be free lance (subscription concerts, operas, commissions, concert tours)

Mozart detested the patronage system (the artist was bound by the whim of the patron)

He didn’t get along with his patron (Prince-Archbishop of Salzburg)

Tried to be free lance (subscription concerts, operas, commissions, concert tours)

“[My pay is] too much for what I do, too little for what I could do.”

— Mozart

“[My pay is] too much for what I do, too little for what I could do.”

— Mozart

Beethoven manipulated the patronage system so that he could live more freely.Gave music lessons to wealthy families.Sold music to many publishers.Even when Napoleon was threatening the whole survival of continental Europeans, Beethoven had contacts with publishers in England who would continue to publish his music. Invited into the homes of the aristocracy.Treated as an equal to the aristocracy.Demanded respect.

Beethoven manipulated the patronage system so that he could live more freely.Gave music lessons to wealthy families.Sold music to many publishers.Even when Napoleon was threatening the whole survival of continental Europeans, Beethoven had contacts with publishers in England who would continue to publish his music. Invited into the homes of the aristocracy.Treated as an equal to the aristocracy.Demanded respect.

Beethoven’s ContractBeethoven’s Contract

“But as it has been demonstrated that only one when he is free from care as possible can devote himself to a single department of activity and create works of magnitude which are exalted and which ennoble art, the undersigned have decided to place Herr Ludwig van Beethoven in a position where the necessities of life shall not cause him embarrassment or clog his powerful genius.”

“But as it has been demonstrated that only one when he is free from care as possible can devote himself to a single department of activity and create works of magnitude which are exalted and which ennoble art, the undersigned have decided to place Herr Ludwig van Beethoven in a position where the necessities of life shall not cause him embarrassment or clog his powerful genius.”

Beethoven’s ContractBeethoven’s Contract

All Beethoven had to do was to declare Vienna his home.”

It is good to walk among the aristocracy, but first you must MAKE them respect you.”

All Beethoven had to do was to declare Vienna his home.”

It is good to walk among the aristocracy, but first you must MAKE them respect you.”

Ruminate on...Ruminate on...patronage and

HaydnMozartBeethoven

why the French Revolution and industrialization led to the demise of patronage.why less complex music is favored in classical culture.

patronage andHaydnMozartBeethoven

why the French Revolution and industrialization led to the demise of patronage.why less complex music is favored in classical culture.