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The Classical period comes after the Baroque period. This period lasted from 1750 to 1828. It has a unique style that is completely different from the previous style. Classical music has a lot more variation of harmonies. There is now a change in dynamics as well. Dynamics are how loud or soft something is played. There is also a theme that is repeated. |
| There are new types of works in the Classical period. These new works consist of concertos, symphonies, and sonatas. They each have a few movements, which are different from each other. One movement may be fast and agitated; another movement may be slow and calm. Sonatas are the main change in Classical music. They start with a theme, change the melody for a while, and then return to the theme. |
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The invention of new instruments helped to change the way music was played. The invention of the piano made a lot of difference. The piano allowed the music to be played however loud or soft the pianist wished it to be. During the Baroque period, harpsichords were played. These harpsichords could only have one measure of loudness. Also, the new structures of instruments, like the string instruments, lead to a more standard arrangement of orchestras. |
| The Classical style is quite rigid, compared to the Romantic style. The Classical music has a symmetric build. There are more harmonies with the melody. Dynamics were now added. With the new instruments, music could be made loud or soft. Tempos were also specified now. Tempo is the speed of the music. Metronomes, which would keep even beats, were created during the Classical period. Before this time, you had to guess how fast the composer wanted you to play. |
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One famous composer of the Classical period was Mozart. Mozart was a famous child prodigy. He was one of the few to start playing Classical music. Beethoven was another famous composer. He continued to compose even after he had become deaf, about ten years before his death. Schubert was also famous. He wrote an average of seven to eight pieces a day. After Beethoven died, Schubert began to write pieces which are more like pieces from the Romantic period. He died a year after Beethoven, which ended the Classical period. Other Classical composers are Glück, Rossini, Bellini, and Clementi. |
