Out of the six historical periods of Western Art music, the Classical period stood out to me the most. What I found most exciting and interesting about this period was how it transitioned from being strictly based on religion and the church as well as a higher social economic class system, (prior to this period) to gearing more towards the middle class and the whole concept of logic and reasoning (also known as the Enlightenment Era). This portrayed a shift in society and what is ultimately considered to be a “norm”. Additionally, I found it interesting how while the opera was still a crucial part during this time period, instruments such as the symphony and string quartet became important; showing almost an evolving era.
After reading Chapter 1 of the textbook, I began to listen to a piece called “Requiem” composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. In this piece, the role of the opera and new tools are cemented and portrayed throughout. All in all, this music sounded like what I expected after reading the textbook due to the use of the tools and focus of the Opera. However, before reading the textbook, I did not know that Classical music was highly focused around the opera, instead believing this period was mostly focused around instruments.
Hi, I chose to focus on the Classical Period too and I really like how you focused on the historical events during that time, especially as you expanded on the emergence of a middle class. I also found it interesting on how you were able to compare the piece of music you chose to what you learned from the textbook very directly, as you continued to describe opera and the role it had during this period.
When i just listen to this music, I won’t know this classic music was made for the opera neither. It can be played by itself, because it contained so many different kinds of emotion. Thank you for introducing this beautiful music. I like the moment when the flute just came out, it seemed like the spring arrive, everything in the world was fresh again.