One of the six historical periods of Western Art music that was described in Chapter 1 that caught my attention was the Classical Period (ca. 1730-ca.1820). What excited me the most about this period is the development of new instrumental types, such as symphony and string quartet while opera being the most vital genre during this period. With string quartet being one of the most interesting aspects that caught my attention, due to the combination of several instruments all at once, being the violins, viola. and cello. There were several historical events throughout out the classical period, such as the Enlightenment, Industrial Revolution which came along with the American and French Revolutions. The music from this particular period consisted of more than just new instrumental types, but as well as an emphasis on thematic development, clarity of line, structural symmetry, and formal balance, as well as styles drawing from Germanic and Italian tastes.
The composer I picked was Antonio Salieri, and his particular piece, ” La Secchia Rapita”. The music sounds what I would expect Classical music to sound like, when I think about classical music I think of a somewhat slow to fast paced piece, but really emphasizes on a lighter sound for the start of it.
Hey Luis, I like the fact that you mentioned the instruments that defines what classical music is composed of and the historical events that happened during this period. I agree with your thought of what classical music is for you, although you should’ve described the piece more to get an idea of how Salieri’s work is classified as being part of the classical period.
Hey Luis,I’m glad that you brought up the instruments that basically were the focus of the classical period. I definitely agree with your analysis of your music piece, I found that Mozart’s Symphony No.40 is very dynamic in terms of changing between slow, fast, and heavier and lighter parts.