Characteristics+of+The+Classical+Period+by+Verity

=**Characteristics of the Classical Period**=

The mood of a piece from the classical period will alter drastically and frequently throughout its duration. A piece may change from being very bright and fast to being very slow and melancholy in a very short or very long space of time.These changes in mood are not only seen in the contrasting themes of a movement from the classical period. They can also be seen within a single theme.
 * Contrast of Mood **

Classical music does not follow a single rhythmic pattern. Classical compositions change in rhythm frequently with the use of unexpected pauses, syncopation and changing note duration. These changes may be sudden or gradual. These rhythmic characteristics set music of the classical period create interest from the listener, making the piece more effective.
 * Rhythm**

The texture of music of the classical period is flexible in nature but is generally homophonic. Homophonic means that accompanying parts play in the same rhythm as the melody. A composition may change in texture very suddenly or more smoothly. A movement may begin homophonically before shifting to be polyphonic in texture. Polyphonic means that many different sounds are bing produced, creating a more complex sound with more than one melody or a call and response sequence performed by various instruments.
 * Texture**

Composers of the classical period often wrote original themes. These themes tend to have a popular character and are catchy and easy to remember. Classical themes are generally comprised of two phrases of equal length, giving the theme balance and symmetry. This style of theme is often found in nursery rhymes as it is easy to sing.
 * Melody**

Classical composers tried hard to convey shades of emotion through their music. With this in mind, composers incorporated crescendos and decrescendos into their compositions to inspire emotional responses from their audience. Pianos were favoured by composers over the clavichord, harpsichord and organ because the pianist could play softly or loudly by either pressing harder or softer on the keys.
 * Dynamics**