Classical Instrumental Chamber

Classical Instrumental and Chamber Music

Piano

Grand piano, 1781, France)

Fortepiano, 1805

Creation of the Pianoforte

1709 – Bartolomeo Christophori modified the harpsichord and created the pianoforte.

Watch segments 1 and 2. http://digital.films.com.ezproxy.vccs.edu:2048/PortalViewVideo.aspx?xtid=6682&psid=0&sid=0&State=&title=The%20Piano&IsSearch=N&parentSeriesID=#

Classical Chamber Music

• Duos, trios, quintets, serenades, divertimentos, and ensembles for up to ten performers.

• The string quartet – the most important chamber music genre.

A string quartet. From left to right: violin 1, violin 2, cello, viola

The String QuartetI. Allegro (in sonata-allegro form) II. Slow, lyrical movement, often in A-B-A or theme and

variations form. III. A moderate dance in minuet and trio form. IV. A fast movement in sonata-allegro or rondo form.

Please listen to this composition with the score.F. J. Haydn, “Emperor” Quartet (1797)http://content.thespco.org/music/compositions/emperor-quartet-franz-joseph-haydn/

http://javanese.imslp.info/files/imglnks/usimg/4/4b/IMSLP28079-PMLP57211-Op76No3.pdf

The Classical ConcertoI. Fast movement in Sonata Allegro form: opens with an orchestral

exposition and then the soloists plays one more exposition = double exposition.

II. Slow and lyrical, featuring soloist in songlike melody.III. Finale: Allegro molto or Presto in rondo form.

Please listen to this composition with the score.L. Beethoven, Violin Concerto, op. 61 (1805)http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSSozIBozxAorhttp://content.thespco.org/music/compositions/violin-concerto-ludwig-van-beethoven/

http://imslp.org/wiki/Violin_Concerto_in_D_major,_Op.61_(Beethoven,_Ludwig_van)

The Classical Sonata

One or two instruments.Three or four contrasting movements, followed the basic cycle described earlier (quartets, symphony, concerto.)

Please listen to this composition with the score.L. Beethoven, Piano Sonata No. 1, in F Minorhttp://magnatune.com/artists/albums/sforster-beethovenone/

http://petrucci.mus.auth.gr/imglnks/usimg/d/d1/IMSLP90564-PMLP01446-Beethoven__Lv__Piano_Sonata_No.1__Op.2_No.1__Moscheles.pdf

Ludwig van Beethoven(1770 – 1827)• A crucial figure in the transition

between the Classical and Romantic eras.

• Displayed musical talents at an early age.

• Studied with Haydn.• One of the Viennese Classicists.• Was almost totally deaf by the

last decade of his life, gave up performing and conducting and continued to compose.

Biography

• Beethoven’s first music teacher was his father.• Had to support his family at an early age.• Moved to Vienna in 1792.• Studied with Haydn.• At the age of 26, Beethoven began to loose

hearing.• Earned income from publication of his works and

from public performances.

Important Compositions• For Soloists, Choir, and Orchestra

• Mass in C Major, Missa Solemnis" in D, Cantatas• For Symphony Orchestra

• 9 Symphonies, Overtures – “Coriolan”, “Egmont”• Concerti

• 5 Piano Concerti, Violin Concerto, Triple Concerto for Violin, Cello, and Piano

• Works for Piano• 32 Piano Sonatas; Variations; Songs

• Various Ensembles• 16 String Quartets, 10 Sonatas for Violin and Piano, 5 Sonatas for

Cello and Piano, various Trios, Quintets• Operas

• Opera “Fidelio”

Video Assignment

Please watch the following movie and take notes. You will be asked to reflect on the composer’s life and musical legacy in one of the quizzes using these examples.

http://digital.films.com.ezproxy.vccs.edu:2048/PortalViewVideo.aspx?xtid=30000&psid=0&sid=0&State=&title=Ludwig%20van%20Beethoven&IsSearch=N&parentSeriesID=

Required Readings:• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classical_era_music• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/String_quartet• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concerto#Classical_concerto• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sonata#

The_sonata_in_the_Classical_period• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beethoven