Characteristics of the Classic Era

Main Music Characteristics of the Classic Era

• Balance

• Clarity of Structure

• Restraint

New concept in the Classic EraMelody

• Melody in different phrases

• 2-4 bars

• Period structure

• Ornaments as “non-chord-tone”

• Vocals in opera alternated between dialogue and songs

• Melody in major key would change to minor key

• Melody with added embellishment

- accicatura

- appoggiatura

- mordent

- trill

- turn

Harmony

• Harmony in slow rhythm

• Harmonic progression not too compact for each bar.

• Fast melody with embellishment is accompanied with slow harmonic progression.

• Change of harmony occurs on main beats

• Bass line and chords as accompaniment

- Alberti Bass to melody in keyboard

music.

- Developed by Domenico Alberti.

Texture

• Lighter

• Clear

• Less complex

• Homophonic

• Instrumental MusicSympnony

• Concerto

• Piano Music