Vocal Music
The Classical era was primarily a period of instrumental music. The major composers of the time focused on new instrumental styles and forms. Vocal music wasn't nearly as important as it had been in the past. The Lieder (songs) written by Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven are not considered to be as important as their instrumental work. The operas composed by Haydn to entertain the guests at Esterházy have vanished into history, and Beethoven wrote only one opera, Fidelio. However, the age did have some significant and lasting achievements in the area of vocal music. Specifically, some of the large choral works of Mozart, Haydn, and Beethoven, including many of Mozart's operas made lasting contributions to the body of vocal literature.
Vocal music example
Opera
Opera had been filling theaters in Europe during most of the 17th century and the early years of the 18th century. However, for all of its popularity, it still wasn't an art form that appealed to the masses. The librettos were usually ancient Greek or Roman in origin or based on some sort of obscure, heroic tale. Although the opera buffa, a form developed during the mid-Baroque period, had some success in bringing opera to every social class, it remained primarily an aristocratic form of entertainment. In the years leading into the Classical period, all of this changed.
Several factors led to this adjustment: First, growing numbers of middle class had enough disposable income to attend opera, but were bored by the haughty stories of the Greeks and Romans. Second, a few composers found ways to bridge the gap between the classic Italian form from which opera originated and the more popular folk-based form of opera that the public was demanding to see.
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The composer who was first able to bridge the cosmopolitan gap between French and Italian styles of opera was Christoph Willibald Gluck (1714-1787). He was born in Germany, studied in Italy, and became famous in France. In the 1750s, a reform movement began in Italy. The primary aims of this movement were to find ways to speed up the action by smoothing the distinction between aria and recitative, and adding depth to the orchestral color.
In Alceste (1767) and his other mature operas, Gluck successfully combined the choral scenes and dances of French opera, the ensemble writing of comic opera, and the new instrumental styles of Germany and Italy. His works changed the direction of opera for centuries to come, particularly in France and Italy. In the following section we will look at Mozart, the next composer who would have a monumental effect on opera.
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...tion through voice selection and harmonic function. Hasse has returned to his celebrated status as we remember him in modern times for his influence and formation of the classic opera form.
Until the nineteenth century, music was generally regarded as an international language. Folk music had always been in place and linked directly with particular regions. On a larger scale though, European music was a device for expression through the application of Italian techniques and styles. In other words, its technical vocabulary was Italian, and from the time of the early baroque, European music, in general, had evolved its styles and technical devices from the developments of Italian composers. Furthermore, court opera was nearly always performed in Italian, whether in Dresden or in London, no matter who composed it or where it was performed. For example, in 1855, Queen Victoria suggested to Richard Wagner that he translate his opera Tannhauser into Italian so that it could secure a production in London. Thus, European music, regardless of where it was composed could be (and was) performed throughout Europe and understood through the common Italian commands, descriptions, and styles. It was unacceptable for most to compose in any other way. The international idea began to collapse in the early nineteenth century as embattled nations or nations subjugated by a foreign invader began to think of music as an expression of their own national identity, personality, or as a way of voicing national aspirations.
Christmas and Opera did not merely seem to correlate, but understanding where the two events derived from can help one to understand the similarities and differences between them. The development of Christmas was different from the creation of opera because the working class was controlling the other social classes for profit. Whereas for opera, the different social classes unified to keep opera as entertainment and not a social event. Another difference came within the writing and context throughout the article and the presentation of information conveyed by the author. Yet the events share the similarity of both being refined and reinvented.
Musical genres of the Baroque and Classical eras were greatly influenced by their respective societies and the ever evolving world around them. Western European civilization during the Baroque period (1600-1750) was one of contrasts between the rich and the poor, the Catholics and the Protestants, and the monarchs and the rising middle class. There were religious wars and instability. Religion was the center of men’s lives which overflowed into all aspects of the society, both politically and culturally. The Reformation and the bloody Counter-Reformation split religious viewpoints. In contrast, the Classical period (1750-1825) regained economic stability with the beginnings of the Industrial Revolution, and enabled a substantial middle class to grow and flourish. Philosophers emerged that harkened back to the ancient Greeks, who in turn influenced society. Emphasis shifted to social values focused on human rights and the power of human reasoning in overcoming the problems of
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart baptized as Johannes Chrysostomus Wolfgangus Theophilus Mozart lived from January 27, 1756 to December 5, 1791. Mozart was a very influential and prolific composer of more than 600 works, including symphonies, concertante, chamber, piano, opera, and choral music. Regarded as a child prodigy, Mozart composed and performed in the European courts from the age of five, and was engaged at the Salzburg court at 17. Mozart’s musical style can be classified as Classical, although he learned from many of his contemporaries throughout his musical career. In order to better understand Mozart’s genius it is best to begin looking at his earliest contributions to the musical world as a child. From there, an exploration of his composition work in the employ of various patrons gives a more rounded picture of the development of Mozart’s musical style. Mozart is one of the most enduring composers, with his work continuing to resonate with modern audiences.
The history of opera companies in New York City may bring to mind the largesse of the Metropolitan Opera Company, but for years before that opera was alive and well, and even thriving, in New York City. High society in New York had long been envious of the elegance associated with European opera outings, but it wasn't until 1825 that the first production of an opera was performed on a New York stage – an Italian opera troupe performing the premiere of Rossini’s The Barber of Seville. A review from the New York Evening Post reported, “the first-night house was full”, and noted with a “touch of relief” that “an assemblage of ladies so fashionable, so numerous… so elevated, so ‘European’” attended the performance. Accompanying the ladies of high
...al era differ greatly in regards to style and structure but both succeeded at impacting musical history. The greats that we acknowledge today stemmed from these very eras. The Baroque era ushered in the genre of Opera, while the Classical era introduced a new outline for structuring musical compositions. The Baroque and
Operas as a form of art became popular in society around the mid 17th century. Originating from Italy, people viewed the opera as a combination of poetry, dance and music. At the time, people were quick to be awed by the ability of the opera to combine all three forms of art into one show of theatre. Obviously, the opera was quick to spread and develop in other countries. The one destination the opera soon gained popularity and fame in was no surprise. As Oscar de la Renta once said, “If you want to establish an international presence you can’t do so from New York. You need the consecration of Paris.”
I imagine in the future a new wave of opera will surface. We will see more use of robots, computers, social network, and virtual reality. We might see breakthroughs in stage design, such as a circular stage. We will see opera performed under different settings. Shows will become even more interactive, adaptable, personal, and modular. All in all, we are seeing a transformation in opera. The challenge lies in keeping the essence of the art of opera and striking a balance between modernization and preservation, so that it can continue to engage its audience yet distinguishes itself from all other types of musical performances.
During the classical era the social function of music began to change from earlier aristocratic and religious connections toward more public and secular activities associated with the middle class. The rise of public concerts, the spread of commercial opera houses, the growth of music publishing, the increased number of musical pieces composed and played were all direct effects of the changing musical times.
...anged the way that opera was to be written in Italy, but they set the standard for the entire world and therefore their works are classic and timeless and will be performed for an extremely long time to come.
What is opera? Opera is a theatrical work that was set to music for people to sing. People that sing regular music probably never tried to sing opera because the singers never had a microphone to use and the opera houses that they did the operas in was big so they had to reach the outer portions of the room. Opera houses were built for the extra space they need to put on the shows that they were doing. With extra space and more seats there need to be a change in how opera were done. Operas started to become more romantic and have more passion than ever before. With that came a style of singing using full rich broad tones and smooth phrasing, which is called bel canto style. The style is defined by beautiful singing.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Ludwig van Beethoven are very famous past composers that have created many pieces that have influenced not just people of their time, but people in modern times as well.
The origin of opera was born in seventeenth century Italy. Wealthy Italian nobles had these “musical works” presented in their piazzas or courtyards. During this time extravagant entertainments, such as fireworks and other amazing effects along with music, singing, dancing and speeches were presented at regal weddings or to welcome important guests. These pre-op...