Overview of classical period

It can be said that the favorable weather, geographical location and human relations have contributed to the prosperity of Vienna classical music school. So when did the classical period begin and end? Generally speaking, the death of J. S. Bach in 1750 marked the end of the baroque era and the beginning of the classicism period. Le Sheng Beethoven died in 1827, marking the end of the classical period. In less than 100 years, classical style became the criterion of art and aesthetic measure at that time.

The classical period is also divided into two stages-the early classical school and the Vienna classical school. The early classical music school is sometimes called the post-Baroque period or Rococo period, and its representative figures are mainly the Berlin music school centered on J. S. Bach's second son C P E Bach; The Mannheim school is centered on John Stemitz; The early Vienna Music School was centered on Vagenzar and Munn. Another important representative is Gluck, who was born in Germany, studied music in Italy and France, and later settled in Vienna. Gluck is famous for reforming opera in the world, which has certain promoting significance to the prosperity of Vienna classical music school. It can be said that the early classical music school is in the transitional period between Baroque and Vienna classical music school, and it is also a bridge of communication, but it is very similar to the previous Baroque period in terms of music structure and instrumental vocal skills.

Vienna Classical Music School, which occupies an important position in the history of western music, is fundamentally different from the Baroque period in music style. Even beginners can hear the differences in many aspects between the works of these two different periods. Baroque music advocates a radiant intensity, while classical music advocates stability, restraint and logical balance. Although it looks too conventional, it lacks beauty. Appreciating the works of this period, the audience enjoys a harmonious, elegant but balanced beauty.

In terms of rhythm, classical music changed its strong baroque sense in the past and paid special attention to the role of melody, which was also the "most exquisite and dynamic part" in classical music works and became its soul. Melody, the music of this period especially emphasizes balance and simplicity. Structurally, the classical period is very different from the baroque period, and its core lies in the single melody tonic music structure adopted by the classical school; During the Baroque period, composers advocated polyphonic music. This is why many classical music works are more suitable for beginners to enjoy. Their tonality is clear and the main line is clear. Unlike previous baroque music, a movement often has many branches.

Music in the classical period is of great significance to the development of music history after that, because three important musical forms-symphony, string quartet and keyboard sonata were born in this period. Although classicism was replaced by new romanticism after Beethoven's death, these three important forms did not die out, but were carried forward in The Romantic Period. In particular, symphony, a brand-new music form, has been shaped, perfected and expanded by the three giants of Vienna classical music school in just a few decades. In addition, sonatas, chamber music, instrumental concertos, operas and other forms have also developed greatly in the classical period. Of course, this also benefited from the technological progress of the musical instrument manufacturing industry at that time. It was during this period that the "piano", the king of musical instruments, was finally formed and widely used.

● The Big Three in the Classical Period

Vienna's most famous classical music school was in ancient times, and Vienna's classical music school had three most famous composers-Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven, which became the "Big Three". These three masters lived in the same era and were related to each other by blood-Haydn was the oldest, and Mozart and Haydn, who were 24 years younger than him, were mutual friends and friends who never forgot. Beethoven was the youngest. Soon after he came to Vienna for development, he took Haydn as his teacher and attended a party hosted by Mozart, who was 14 years older than him. On that day, Mozart was surprised by Beethoven's talent and predicted that the young man would do something in the future.

Haydn was born in 1732 and died in 1809. He lived the longest among the Big Three. He is affectionately known as "Haydn's father". In the field of music creation, he is known as "the father of symphony". He composed more than 100 symphonies (including those numbered 104) in his life, and was also the founder of the string quartet. Although it is not the highest achievement among the three, it is an important figure in the history of music development.

Mozart, 1756-179 1 year. He has too many auras on his head. "prodigy" and "angel" are the two most commonly used pronouns for him, and he is recognized as a genius in the music circle. Mozart wrote more than 40 symphonies in his life, and the last 5-6 symphonies are considered as masterpieces with high artistic value. His 27 piano concertos, on the whole, are the highest realm that future generations can't surpass; Mozart's operas were very popular at that time. However, the musical genius died of illness at the age of 35. Nevertheless, he left more than 600 numbered music works.

Beethoven, 1770-1827, is known as the "music saint". The nine immortal symphonies are a portrayal of Beethoven's life struggle and spiritual realm, and many of his instrumental sonatas, concertos, overtures, operas, etc. It is a symbol of a revolutionary era. Some people say that Beethoven is a semi-classical and semi-romantic, which makes sense. He is not a pure classicist. Beethoven is more like a transitional messenger between classical music and romantic music, and he is a master with unique musical style.