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
