23 Jun THE CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT OF CLASSIC MUSIC IN VIENNA DURING THE CLASSICAL PERIOD
The cultural development of classic music in Vienna during the classical period
Vienna was the most important centre of music during the classical period whereby greater developments were achieved. On another level palaces and courts focused mainly on the music performance (Parsons: 2009 p. 112). Thus, most of the successful musicians were funded by the aristocrats whereas most of the music writing was done for the social events of the upper-class. Slowly, music started moving to concert hall for public performance of new works and current composers. Coinciding with the middle class rise the classical era also saw the music publication and public concert beginning. At the core of focus by Europeans the Vienna city was the Habsburg dynasty capital as well as the Europe’s music capital during the classical period(Sherrane: 2000 para. 3-8).
However, the Viennese school was the term which was generally used to describe the musical scene during the classical period, which was entirely centered on the Viennese school masters achievements (Spielman: 1993 p. 121). Describing the musical style transformation as evolving gradually from old to innovative and new ways, musicians recognized the coexistence of new and old before the classical elements had become most prominent (Cobb: 2002 para. 4-9). Thus, in preclassic times, the music style mainly focused on simplicity compared to Baroque textures which were more complex. Characteristically the classical style mainly expressed different moods and themes, thus, achieving contrast.
Many types of musical genres as well as types of compositions were also prevalent during the classical period. Also the instrumental works had become very important, thus this period is recognized as the chamber music golden age. The chamber music was therefore intended for a small set up of a chamber or salon and consisted mainly of smaller groups of players who performed together as a team (Cobb: 2002 para. 4-9). Haydn was the key to the development of the string quartet and Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven and Schubert were involved in the establishment of the style of the true chamber music (Spielman: 1993 p. 121). The classical period also marked the evolution of musical genres which consisted of soloist (which included piano and violin) and orchestra; thereby the evolution on concert was a result of interaction and balance between the ensemble and instrument. This type of piece had three movements which were contrasting with the addition of an elaborated solo passage or cadenza (Johnston: 1979 156). Sonata was also another significant genre during this period and it was mostly written piano or violin and piano. Thus, is generally referred to as work of solo instrumental of four or three varied movements (Schorske: 1961 pp. 123-130).
The opera and choral music also considerably advanced during the classical era. The Mozart’s “mass for the dead” and Haydn’s “Lord Nelson mass” were most famous. However, the growth of the secular music during this period was more compared to the sacred genres. The voice parts were dominant to the accompaniments during the classical period the orchestra was mainly based on four different instrument families; brass, woodwind, string and percussion (specifically timpani). However, the strings dominated the instruments up to the point when woodwind gained their independence as a result of late works of Mozart and Haydn (Parsons: 2009 pp.112-141). Thus, the string instruments were the bottom foundation brass were in the middle while woodwind played the greatest part.
Main characteristics of music in the classical period
The music contributed to the greatest cultural heritage of the Vienna city in the classical period compared to any other era of musical development. However, the music which was played during this period had distinct characteristics compared to that of the preceding as well as following eras (Pauly: 1988 p. 198). For example, it was higher and had clear texture when compared to the preceding Baroque music, it was also mainly homophonic and less complicated indicating that it was melody which was above the choral accompaniment (Schorske: 1961 pp. 123-130). It also emphasized on the beauty and grace of melody and form, that is, moderation and control, proportion and balance, polished and elegant all of which were in character with formal structure and expressiveness held in perfect balance.
There was also more contrast and variety within a peace of melodies, key, dynamic and rhythms; there were also frequent changes of timbre and mood. The melodies during this period also tended to be shorter than those which were composed during the Baroque era, with clearly marked cadences as well as clear-cut phrases. The orchestra increased in size and range whereas the harpsichord continued to fall out of use while the woodwind became a self contained section (Zaslaw: 1989 p.350). The piano replaced the harpsichord towards late classical period whereby the early piano music was thinnish in texture and it was often accompanied with Albert bass, but it was later advanced by the Beethoven to become richer as well as more powerful and sonorous. Also during this period the main kinds of genres were trio, sonata, symphony, concerto, string quartet divertimento and serenade (Pastelli: 1984 pp.276-291). However the sonata form developed and became most important design which was used to build the large scale works movement at first, but also other forms of movements as well as single piece which included the overtures.
Conclusion
Vienna city emerged as the Europe’s music capital during the classical period thus making it the most important cultural centre during this period in Europe. This situation led to the movement of many composers from all over the Europe continent to converge at Vienna where they used to train and compose their music. This synergy from different parts of the Europe continent contributed more growth to music attaching more importance to Vienna city as a cultural centre, because the music in those days was epitome of culture (Spielman: 1993 p.141).
However the classical period saw the emergency of the most successful composers in the music history. They includes; Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven. Gluck and Schubert who greatly contributed to the music sector before ushering the Romantic era even though some of them participated in the transition between the Classical and Romantic era (Heartz: 1995 p.134). Thus, musical era seldom disappears just at once, but the features are gradually replaced over time, this is then a continuous process which continues until the old is actually felt as outdated. The classical style of music then didn’t die; it just underwent transformation under the pressure of changes. Also the Vienna city didn’t change its cultural status dated back to the classical period because it is also very rich in music culture and thus it was inscribed in the Cultural Heritage List of UNESCO due to its cultural richness (Heartz: 1995 p.134).
Our website has a team of professional writers who can help you write any of your homework. They will write your papers from scratch. We also have a team of editors just to make sure all papers are of HIGH QUALITY & PLAGIARISM FREE. To make an Order you only need to click Ask A Question and we will direct you to our Order Page at WriteDemy. Then fill Our Order Form with all your assignment instructions. Select your deadline and pay for your paper. You will get it few hours before your set deadline.
Fill in all the assignment paper details that are required in the order form with the standard information being the page count, deadline, academic level and type of paper. It is advisable to have this information at hand so that you can quickly fill in the necessary information needed in the form for the essay writer to be immediately assigned to your writing project. Make payment for the custom essay order to enable us to assign a suitable writer to your order. Payments are made through Paypal on a secured billing page. Finally, sit back and relax.
About Writedemy
We are a professional paper writing website. If you have searched a question and bumped into our website just know you are in the right place to get help in your coursework. We offer HIGH QUALITY & PLAGIARISM FREE Papers.
How It Works
To make an Order you only need to click on “Order Now” and we will direct you to our Order Page. Fill Our Order Form with all your assignment instructions. Select your deadline and pay for your paper. You will get it few hours before your set deadline.
Are there Discounts?
All new clients are eligible for 20% off in their first Order. Our payment method is safe and secure.