Haydn-+By+Belle

Characteristics of the Classical Period

Contrast of Mood During the classical period classical pieces had a great variety of mood and placated a lot. The mood could change either gradually or suddenly. One piece could represent many different emotions that it could be dramatic and depressive then later turn into a happy, lighter mood. Great composers like Haydn could compose pieces with such a mixture of a emotions yet still keep meaning behind it.

Rhythm The range of rhythms used in classical pieces creates many different sounds. Classical pieces have a great amount of rhythmic patterns in them. Compositions from the classical period included surprising and unanticipated pauses, syncopations and change between long and short notes. Once again, they can also change the rhythm or pattern of the songs either gradually or suddenly, especially between the alternation of long notes to short notes.

Texture The texture of the classical period was homophonic. In Latin Homo means equal or the same and phone is sound. Homophonic means same sound with the same melody and the same tune at one time. A composition may start out with one main instrument and an accompaniment. Then it maybe change int a more complicated piece layering in many different orchestral instruments creating a full sound.( Melody The melodies of the classical compositions were made up of two different sections. These sections were often very alike, but the second phrase was more precise and final than the first. The melodies were always very catchy and easy to remember.

Dynamics Throughout all classical pieces composers would change the dynamics in a composition to emphasise and demonstrate a great deal and variety of emotion. These changes were often made by crescendos or diminuendos (decrescendo). The Dynamics include //pianissimo// (very quite), //piano// (quiet), //mezzo piano// (medium-quiet), //mezzo forte// (medium-loud), //forte// (loud), //fortissimo// (very loud) etc.

Sonata Form Sonata from is a special way to compose pieces that many composers used in the Classical Period. It has 3 sections that are divided into an A, B, A structure. The ABA structure is made up of the exposition, development, recapitulation. Themes of the sonata are represented in the exposition, there can be one or more themes. These themes are often in the dominant or major key then repeated in the minor key. In the development section, the composer develops the themes shown in the exposition. The recapitulation (recap) section is usually very alike to the exposition section but has very minor changes. It is always played in the original or tonic key.


 * Haydn's Music**

Sacred Music Throughout Haydn's time he wrote lot's of masses. A Mass is a sacred piece of music performed in a catholic or anglican church, there are also requiem masses performed when someone has past away. When Haydn was working for the Esterhazy family, he was required to right a mass each year in the celebration of the Princess being named. Haydn's masses were very popular during his time and one of his most famous masses was Missa in Tempore Belli. Haydn wrote 14 masses.

Secular Music Secular music is basically non-religious music and used for entertainment.

Choral music Choral music is performed by a choir.

Haydn's Background Franz Joseph Haydn was born on the 31st of March, 1732 in Rohrau, Austria. Haydn had poor health and at the age of 77 he passed away on the 31st of May, in Vienna Austria, 1809. Haydn grew up in a musical family. He was one of three boys. Haydn's father, Mathias Haydn, was a wheelwright who loved music and played the harp. His mother Anna Maria Koller was a cook and she loved to sing. Haydn's brother Michael was a composer and his youngest brother Johann sang for the church choir. In 1757 Haydn's name and his music starting to become more recognisable because he was hired as music director for Count Morzin. It 1761 his music had become widely popular. Haydn spent 4 years in London composing lots of music and experiencing new things. This would have been the highest point in his career. The last few years of Haydn's life he spent in Vienna only focussing on pieces like masses and oratorios. Haydn had a big impact on composers like Mozart. Mozart had dedicated a set of six quartets to Haydn. Haydn died in Vienna due to old age. Mozart's requiem was performed at Haydn's funeral.