CLASSICAL PERIOD1750-1800

THE CLASSICAL PERIODDates: 1750 – 1800Re-emergence of the aesthetic of the Greek periodCoincides with the enlightenment - a focus on the

importance of the individual and on rational thought (aka the Age of Reason)

Characterized by balance, control, symmetry, and proportion

ART/ARCHITECTURE Characteristics: unemotional, focused on heroism, and tended to use somber colors with only occasional bright

highlights.

Title: The Oath of the HoratiiArtist: Jacques-Louis David Year: 1784

https://www.google.com/search?q=classical+architecture&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=Hw7TUt2aEsb4yAHH34CIDw&sqi=2&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAQ&biw=984&bih=512#q=classical+period+architecture&tbm=isch&imgdii=_

FEATURES OF CLASSICAL MUSIC

Simple and pleasing to the earEmphasis on melody, accompanied by an unobtrusive

harmony underneathStructured – regular phrase lengths, traditional forms,

and tonal harmony Composers – Mozart, Haydn, and Beethoven

LISTENING EXAMPLES

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bMjF1xfWB4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmoA5fy_kvQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3nIU9iUcbfc

WORLD EVENTS

Industrial Revolution begins – 1760Declaration of Independence – 1776George Washington elected President – 1789