Study Guides

Unit Summary

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.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to identify key musical features of the Classical period.

Key Notes

• Music from the Classical period (1750-1820) has certain defining characteristics.
• These include melody and accompaniment texture, and simple melodies with limited ornamentation and balanced phrasing.
• The orchestra grew larger and, as well as the concerto, the symphony became a key genre. It has four movements.
• The first uses sonata form, with an exposition, development and recapitulation. The third is often a minuet and trio.
• The sonata became a key genre (particularly for keyboard instruments), with three contrasting movements.

Vocabulary To Learn

• Classical period: the period of Western classical music between 1750 and 1820
• symphony: a long composition for orchestra, usually consisting of four shorter pieces (movements)
• sonata: a three-movement solo composition, and a structure with exposition, development and recapitulation
• balanced phrasing: melodic phrases which are equal in length and have complementary melodic shapes

Common Mistakes To Avoid

• Sonata form and a sonata are the same thing.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

More Lessons In This Unit

• Classical music in the 20th century Study Guide
• Texture and harmony across the eras Study Guide
• The Baroque period Study Guide
• The Romantic period Study Guide