Classical period
The principal composers
| MOZART 1756 – 1791 | HAYDN 1732 – 1809 | BEETHOVEN 1770 – 1827 |
|---|---|---|
 |  |  |
Classic is a word often associated with literature and architecture. The buildings of ancient Greece and Rome are described as classic while the works of Shakespeare and Dickens are described as being ‘classics’ in literature.
In music many people use the term ‘classical’ to cover almost all music which is not ‘pop’ music. However, to a musician Classical refers to a short period of musical history from around 1750 to around 1810. As with all dates in music there is no definite line, as the first signs of change started in the 1730s. During this period the popular Italian overture began to develop into the symphony while the Baroque trio developed into the Classical sonata.
Many of these changes are covered in the pages below. Use the links below or in the Navigation bar to access the pages. Any page can be accessed on its own but it is suggested that the best benefit will be gained from following the pages in chronological order.
| Form - Discover Classical form including sonata, minuet and trio |
| Concerto - Learn about the three concerto movements |
| Choral Music - Listen to examples of choral music |
| Chamber music - Examples of chamber music |
| Opera - Listen to opera examples from Gluck, Haydn and Mozart |
| Symphony - Symphony in the Classical period |
| Classical Quiz - A test using the concepts and music from the Classical period |
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