Art Appreciation Module Revised
Art Appreciation Module Revised
Art Appreciation Module Revised
ART APPRECIATION
Course Description:
Learning Outcomes:
Skills
1. Analyze and appraise works of art based on aesthetic value, historical context,
tradition, and social relevance
2. Mount an art exhibit (concept development, production and post production,
marketing, documentation, critiquing
3. Create their own works of art and curate their own production or exhibit
4. Utilize art for self-expression and promoting advocacies
Values
1. Deepen their sensitivity to self, community and society
2. Discover and deepen their identity through art with respect to their nationality,
culture and religion
3. Develop an appreciation of the local arts
Week Topics
1 Course orientation: Grading system, Requirements, Relevance of the Couse
Assumptions and Nature of Arts: Creativity, Imagination
2 Functions of Art and Philosophy
3-4 Art and Artisans: Production Process, Medium, Technique, Curation
5-6 Elements and Principles of Arts
7-12 Art History(Asian, Western, Philippines)
13-18 Soul making (Improvisation and Appropriation)
Disclaimer: This module gathered information from various internet sources and
credited all authors for their works. This make sure that this module keeps the “Fair
Use” of the said information. This intend not to violate any copyrights or be subjected to
copyright infringement.
II. Objectives:
At the end of this lesson, the student should be able to:
a) Define and identify assumptions and nature of arts
b) Give the significance of assumptions and nature of arts in real life situation.
c) Cite Filipino artwork
III. Content:
What is Art?
1. Art Is Universal
Timeless, spanning generations and continents through and through.
Misconception: Artistic made long time ago.
Age is not a factor in determining art.
Literature has provided key words of art.
lliad and the Odyssey are the two Greek Epics that one’s being taught in school.
The Sanskrit pieces Mahabharata and Ramanaya are also staples in this fields.
In every country and in every generation, there is always art. Often times, people
feel that what is considered artistic are only those which have been made long
time ago. This is a misconception. Age is not a factor in determining art. “An art
is not good because it is old, but old because it is good” (Dudley et al., 1960)
In the Philippines, the works of Jose Rizal and Francisco Balagtas are not being
read because they are old.
Florante at Laura never fails to teach high school students the beauty of love,
one that is universal and pure.
Ibong Adarna, another Filipino masterpiece, has always captured the imagination
of the young with its timeless lessons.
When we recite the Psalms, we feel in communion with King David as we feel
one with him in his conversation with God.
When we listen to a Kundiman or perform folk dances, we still enjoy the way our
Filipino ancestors while away their time in the past.
In the Philippines, it is not entirely novel to hear some consumers of local movies
remark that these movies produced locally are unrealistic. They contend that
local movies work around certain formula to the detriment of substance and
faithfulness to reality of movies.
Paul Cezanne, a french painted a scene from reality entitled Well and Grinding
Wheel in the Forest of the Chateau Noir .
It does not full detail but just an experience. Actual doing of something.
Getting this far without a satisfactory definition of art can be quite weird for some.
For most people, art does not require a full definition. Art is just experience. By
experience, we mean the “actual doing of something” (Dudley et al., 1960) and it
also affirmed that art depends on experience, and if one is to know art, he must
know it not as fact or information but as an experience.
A work of an art then cannot be abstracted from actual doing. In order to know
what an artwork, we have to sense it, see and hear it.
Choose one artwork under each category that you are familiar with. Cite a Filipino
artwork related to the category you chose and answer the question provided.
Why you chose it? Relate it to the topic has been discussed. Elaborate your answer.
______________________________________________________________________
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______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
V. Assessment
Answer the following questions based on your own understanding/ interpretation of the
lesson you learned. 5 points each.
References:
Dr. Lamucho, V. S., Baesa-Pagay, J. S., et al.(2003) p.3 Basic Assumptions of
the Art
Toto Wel. (November 17, 2018)Art: Introduction and Assumptions.
http://www.ruel positive.com/art-intoduction-assumptions
Jhay Baccay. (October 04, 2018) Assumptions-of-art-1.pptx.
http://www.scribd.com.presentation/390111106/Assumptions-of-art-1-pptx
II. Objectives:
At the end of this lesson, the student should be able to:
a) Identify the functions of art;
b) Explain and discuss the basic philosophical perspective on the art;
c) Apply philosophical perspective real life scenarios;
III. Content:
FUNCTIONS OF ART
Personal functions of art is highly subjective and depends on the artist who
created the art. An art may be created for expressing self, for entertainment or
for other purposes.
Other functions of art may serve culture, history and religion. Music is an artwork
used for different purposes such events for culture, historical and religious
gatherings. Sculpture, poems, spoken poetry, movies and other form of arts are
used for its specific functions.
Art as an imitation
Art as a representation
IV. ACTIVITY
Activity 1 ( 20 points)
Directions: Browse the internet and cite for functions of Statue and Paintings and
decide which is more functional.
Directions: Give your own perception of beauty? What is beauty to you? Do you have
standard to consider art as beautiful? Explain.
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______________________________________________________________________
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Directions: Do you have any artworks in your house? Choose only one and give its
history and function.
V. Assessment
Answer the following questions based on your own understanding/ interpretation of the
lesson you learned. 5 points each.
Reference/s:
II. Objectives:
At the end of this lesson, the student should be able to:
a) Differentiate artist and artisans
b) Identify production process, medium, technique, and curation
c) Cite Filipino artists and artisans
III. Content:
Concept Notes:
Out of the video you have watched, what do you think is the difference by art and
craft? Who made arts and who made crafts?
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___________________________________________________________________
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Now let’s get to know them better. Let us have the presentation uploaded by Bry
Cunal on slideshare with the title: Art Appreciation Artists and Artisans
Go to https//:www.slideshare.net/mobile/learian/art-appreciation-artists-and-artisan
Tip: Take notes from the presentation as you are going to have an activity related to
it.
Medium and Techniques
Visual Arts
Are those mediums that can be seen and which occupy space.
Curation
Activity 1: Research for at least 20 art materials and give its functions. (2 points
each)
2. 1 Cite for at least 10 famous foreign artists and their art contributions.
2. 2 Cite for at least 10 famous foreign artisans and their crafts.
2.3 Cite for at least 5 famous Filipino artists and their contributions.
2.4 Cite for at least 5 famous Filipino artisans and their crafts.
V. Assessment
3. How do artists and artisans express their expressions and emotions through arts
and crafts?
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
Reference/s:
Cunal, B. Art Appreciation Artists and Artisans
https//:www.slideshare.net/mobile/learian/art-appreciation-artists-and-artisan
Brittanica, Visual Artshttps:www.britannica.com/browse/Visual-Arts
II. Objectives:
At the end of this lesson, the student should be able to:
a) Identify the elements and principles of elements of visual design;
b) Give the significance of elements and principles of visual design in real life
application;
c) Create a photo collage using elements and principles of visual design.
III. Content:
Concept Notes:
Color
Color has an immediate and profound effect on a design. Colors can affect
how humans feel and act.
• Warm Colors
• Reds, oranges, yellows
• Cool Colors
• Blues, purples, greens
Form/Shape
The shape, outline, or configuration of anything.
• Squares • Ellipses •Rectangles
• Circles • Ovals • Triangles
Space
It can enlarge or reduce the visual space.
Types
• Open, uncluttered spaces
• Cramped, busy
Texture
The surface look or feel of an object.
Types
• Smooth surface
• Reflects more light and, therefore, is a more intense color.
• Rough surface
• Absorbs more light, appears darker.
Value
The relative lightness or darkness of a color
. Methods
• Shade
Degree of darkness of a color
• Tint
A pale or faint variation of a color
Five principles that encompass an interesting design.
Balance
Parts of the design are
equally distributed to create a
sense of stability.
There can be physical as well as
visual balance.
Rhythm
It is the repeated use of
line, shape, color, texture or
pattern.
Emphasis
Emphasis is the most personal aspect
of a design. The feature that attracts viewers.
It can be achieved through size, placement,
color and use of lines.
Proportion and Scale
It is the comparative
relationships between elements in a
design with respect to size.
Unity
Unity is applying consistent use of lines, color, and texture within a design.
IV. Activity
Activity 1: 3 2 1
Directions: This game is called 3, 2,
1, stands for things you had learned
from the discussions. 3 things you
learned, 2 things you discovered and 1 question you still have. Use separate sheet
for this activity. 3 points each.
15 10 5
Creative The output is exceptionally The output is creative and The output is acceptably
creative, original, and eye- original. creative.
catchy.
Relevance The output is related to the The output is related to the The output is not related to the
topic and easier to topic and most make it easier topic.
understand. to understand.
Organization/ Content Information is clear and very Information is organized and Information appears to be
well organized. Content is the content is somewhat disorganized. Content is
excellent and appropriate. appropriate incorrect and inappropriate.
V. Assessment
Process Questions(4 pts each)
2. How principles of visual design will make the art effective and attractive?
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
3. Cite for at least 5 real life applications of visual design and 5 real life application of
visual design principles.
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
Reference/s
Bhadauria, R., (2014) The Elements and Principles of Design
https://slideshare.net/mobile/admecinstitute/principles-of-design-30520900
Lesson 5 History of Art
II. Objectives:
At the end of this lesson, the student should be able to:
a) Describe history of Asian, Western and Philippine Art
b) List relative artists and artworks per periods from Asian, Western and
Philippine Art.
c) Appreciate the history of art by looking for ways to promote it.
III. Content:
Concept Notes
For further readings and to see relative images please visit this website :
https://www.invaluable.com/bog/art-history-timeline/ Art Timeline: Western Art
Movements and Their Impact.
IV. Activity
Activity 1: 3 2 1
Directions: This game is called 3, 2, 1, stands for things you had learned from the
discussions. 3 things you learned, 2 things you discovered and 1 question you still
have. Use separate sheet for this activity. 3 points each.
Directions: Make an anchor chart of the things you have learned from the discussion
about Asian, Western and Philippine Art History. To have an idea about anchor chart go
to this website https://youtu.be/fxoReyxDy1M- a youtube video tutorial on how to make
an anchor chart uploaded by It Starts at Home. Use separate sheet for this activity.
The following are things to be include on your plate art history anchor chart.
V. Assessment
2. How studying history of arts will improve the arts we have now?
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___________________________________________________________________
3. How can you promote history of the Philippine Art? In what ways?
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
Reference:
Lesson 6 Soul-Making
I. Topic: Soul-making
II. Objectives:
At the end of this lesson, the student should be able to:
a) Define soul-making and identify art improvisation and art appropriation;
b) Give the significance of soul-making;
c) Perform Spoken Poetry.
III. Content:
Concept Notes:
Soul-making is an alternative venue for knowing ourselves and looking into
the depths and real meaning of what we are doing for everyday life. It develops our
inner artist and it helps us to communicate with people, understanding culture and
embodying tolerance and peace. It opens door for multiple intelligences and
expressions.
In order for the human to make sense of language and derive meanings from
words, semantic, and grammatical rules are important elements to be
considered.
In order to people to make sense of the work, it require understanding the
visual elements where art was the grounded on, specially the principle of
design,
Important to note the audience of the said artwork must have certain level of
awareness to the style, artwork, form, and content of the said work.
Form- is the totally of the artwork, which includes the textures, colors, and
shapes utilized by the artist.
The content of an artwork includes not only form but also its subject matter
and its underlying meanings or themes.
Improvisation
Appropriation
Webpage reading:
What is soul making by Michael Bogar (February 24,2007)
https://michaelbogar.blogspot.com/2007/02/what-is-soul-making_9405.html?
m=1
IV. Activity
My Spoken Word Poetry
According to Spot.ph, there are people who make art or write music to
express their feelings; some post Facebook updates while others do other things-
then there are those write and perform poetry. Spoken word poetry has made its
way into the hearts of many Filipinos, and the increasing number of restaurants and
events hosting open mic and poetry slams is proof of that. Spoken word poetry is
definitely a good outlet for emotions to be let out.
For this activity you are going to create, compose and perform your own
spoken word poetry of your chosen theme.
You may visit this website for additional information about spoken word poetry
https://www.wikihow.com/Write-Spoken-Word How to Write Spoken Word on
wikiHow and Co-authored by Wong Ken, MFA
Direction/s: Compose an original piece of Spoken word poetry. Present your work
through recorded video of your performance. You will be graded according to the
rubrics below.
V. Assessment
1. Aside from spoken word poetry, in what form of art you can best represent your
emotions?
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
Reference:
Jadulco, L., Art-App-06.-Soulmaking-Appropriation-and-Improvisation
https://www.scribd.com/presentation/408835585/Art-App-06-Soulmaking-
Appropriation-and-Improvisation-pptx.
The vast majority of medieval music was monophonic – in other words, there was
only a single melody line. (“mono-phonic” literally means “one sound”).
The development of polyphonic music (more than one melody line played at the same
time (“poly-phonic” means “many sounds”)) was a major shift towards the end of era
that laid the foundations for Renaissance styles of music.
GREGORIAN CHANT
The chants were also based on a system of modes, which were characteristic of the
medieval period.
There were 8 church modes – (you can play them by starting on a different white note
on a piano and playing a “scale” of 8 notes on just the white notes. For example, if you
start on a D and play all the white notes up to the next D an octave higher, you will have
played the “Dorian Mode”).
THE DEVELOPMENT OF POLYPHONIC MUSIC
ORGANUM
Free organum
The 2 voices move in both parallel motion and/or contrary motion.
Have a look at this example of free organum and listen to the track of the beginning
being played on a synthesised choir sound:
Melismatic organum
An accompanying part stays on a single note whilst the other part moves around above
it.
Have a listen to this synthesised example – notice how the 2nd voice stays on the same
note whilst the 1st voice “sings” the melody:
Melismatic Organum audio example
Here are some other recorded examples of organum, which are worth listening to:
The Catholic Church wanted to standardise what people sung in churches across the
Western world.
As a result, a system of music notation developed, allowing things to move on from the
previously “aural” tradition (tunes passed on “by ear” and not written down).
NUEMES
These were signs written above chants giving an indication of the direction of
movement of pitch.
Here is an example of an 11th century manuscript containing nuemes:
As the medieval period prgressed, nuemes developed gradually to add more indication
of rhythm, etc..
Dulcimer
The medieval dulcimers were originally plucked, but then hit with hammers as
technology developed.
Lyra
The lyra is considered to be one of the first known bowed instruments
Other medieval instruments included the recorder and the lute.
The period was also characterised by troubadours and trouvères – these were
travelling singers and performers.
SECULAR STYLES OF MEDIEVAL MUSIC
Ars Nova (“new art”) was a new style of music originating in France and Italy in the
14th century.
The name comes from a tract written by Philippe de Vitry in c.1320.
The style was characterised by increased variety of rhythm, duple time and increased
freedom and independence in part writing. These experimentations laid some of the
foundations for further musical development during the Renaissance period.
The main secular genre of Art Nova was the chanson.
Examples of Art Nova composers include Machaut in France and G. Da Cascia, J. Da
Bologna and Landini in Italy.
Lesson 8 The Baroque Period
The Baroque period saw the creation of tonality. During the period, composers and
performers used more elaborate musical ornamentation, made changes in musical
notation, and developed new instrumental playing techniques. Baroque music
expanded the size, range, and complexity of instrumental performance, and also
established opera, cantata, oratorio, concerto, and sonata as musical genres. Many
musical terms and concepts from this era are still in use today.
Etymology
Periods of
Western classical music
AD / CE
Early
Medieval c. 500–1400
Renaissance c. 1400–1600
Common practice
Baroque c. 1600–1760
Classical c. 1730–1820
Romantic c. 1815–1910
Modern c. 1890–1930
Contemporary c. 1975–present
Although it was long thought that the word as a critical term was first applied to
architecture, in fact it appears earlier in reference to music, in an anonymous, satirical
review of the première in October 1733 of Rameau’s Hippolyte et Aricie, printed in
the Mercure de France in May 1734. The critic implied that the novelty in this opera was
“du barocque,” complaining that the music lacked coherent melody, was filled with
unremitting dissonances, constantly changed key and meter, and speedily ran through
every compositional device.
The systematic application by historians of the term “baroque” to music of this period is
a relatively recent development. In 1919, Curt Sachs became the first to apply the five
characteristics of Heinrich Wölfflin’s theory of the Baroque systematically to
music. Critics were quick to question the attempt to transpose Wölfflin’s categories to
music, however, and in the second quarter of the 20th century independent attempts
were made by Manfred Bukofzer (in Germany and, after his immigration, in America)
and by Suzanne Clercx-Lejeune (in Belgium) to use autonomous, technical analysis
rather than comparative abstractions, in order to avoid the adaptation of theories based
on the plastic arts and literature to music. All of these efforts resulted in appreciable
disagreement about time boundaries of the period, especially concerning when it
began. In English the term acquired currency only in the 1940s, in the writings of
Bukofzer and Paul Henry Lang.
As late as 1960 there was still considerable dispute in academic circles, particularly in
France and Britain, whether it was meaningful to lump together music as diverse as that
of Jacopo Peri, Domenico Scarlatti, and J.S. Bach under a single rubric. Nevertheless,
the term has become widely used and accepted for this broad range of music. It may
be helpful to distinguish the Baroque from both the preceding (Renaissance) and
following (Classical) periods of musical history.
History
The Baroque period is divided into three major phases: early, middle, and late. Although
they overlap in time, they are conventionally dated from 1580 to 1630, from 1630 to
1680, and from 1680 to 1730.
The rise of the centralized court is one of the economic and political features of what is
often labelled the Age of Absolutism, personified by Louis XIV of France. The style of
palace, and the court system of manners and arts he fostered became the model for the
rest of Europe. The realities of rising church and state patronage created the demand
for organized public music, as the increasing availability of instruments created the
demand for chamber music.
Jean-Baptiste Lully
Musically, he did not establish the string-dominated norm for orchestras, which was
inherited from the Italian opera, and the characteristically French five-part
disposition(violins, violas—in hautes-contre, tailles and quintes sizes—and bass violins)
had been used in the ballet from the time of Louis XIII. He did, however, introduce this
ensemble to the lyric theatre, with the upper parts often doubled by recorders, flutes,
and oboes, and the bass by bassoons. Trumpets and kettledrums were frequently
added for heroic scenes.
Arcangelo Corelli
Arcangelo Corelli is remembered as influential for his achievements on the other side of
musical technique—as a violinist who organized violin technique and pedagogy—and in
purely instrumental music, particularly his advocacy and development of the concerto
grosso. Whereas Lully was ensconced at court, Corelli was one of the first composers
to publish widely and have his music performed all over Europe. As with Lully’s
stylization and organization of the opera, the concerto grosso is built on strong contrasts
—sections alternate between those played by the full orchestra, and those played by a
smaller group. Dynamics were “terraced”, that is with a sharp transition from loud to soft
and back again. Fast sections and slow sections were juxtaposed against each other.
Numbered among his students is Antonio Vivaldi, who later composed hundreds of
works based on the principles in Corelli’s trio sonatas and concerti.
Through the work of Johann Fux, the Renaissance style of polyphony was made the
basis for the study of composition.
A continuous worker, Handel borrowed from others and often recycled his own material.
He was also known for reworking pieces such as the famous Messiah, which premiered
in 1742, for available singers and musicians.
Timeline of Baroque composers
Baroque instruments
Baroque instruments including hurdy gurdy, harpsichord, bass viol, lute, violin, and
guitar
Strings
Violino piccolo
Violin
Viol
Viola
Viola d’amore
Viola pomposa
Tenor violin
Cello
Contrabass
Lute
Theorbo
Archlute
Angélique
Mandolin
Guitar
Harp
Hurdy gurdy
Woodwinds
Baroque flute
Chalumeau
Dulcian
Musette de cour
Baroque oboe
Rackett
Recorder
Bassoon
Clarinet
Brasses
Cornett
Natural horn
Baroque trumpet
Flatt trumpet
Serpent
Trombone (English name for the same instrument, from the early 18th century)
Keyboards
Clavichord
Tangent piano
Harpsichord
Organ
Percussion
Baroque timpani
Wood snare drum
Tenor drum
Tambourine
Castanets
Overture – The Baroque suite often began with a French overture (“Ouverture”
in French), which was followed by a succession of dances of different types,
principally the following four:
Allemande – Often the first dance of an instrumental suite, the allemande was a
very popular dance that had its origins in the German Renaissance era, when it
was more often called the almain.[citation needed] The allemande was played at a
moderate tempo and could start on any beat of the bar.
Courante – The second dance is the courante, a lively, French dance in triple
meter. The Italian version is called the corrente.
Sarabande – The sarabande, a Spanish dance, is the third of the four basic
dances, and is one of the slowest of the baroque dances. It is also in triple meter
and can start on any beat of the bar, although there is an emphasis on the second
beat, creating the characteristic ‘halting’, or iambic rhythm of the sarabande.
Gigue – The gigue is an upbeat and lively baroque dance in compound meter,
typically the concluding movement of an instrumental suite, and the fourth of its
basic dance types. The gigue can start on any beat of the bar and is easily
recognized by its rhythmic feel. The gigue originated in the British Isles. Its
counterpart in folk music is thejig.
These four dance types (allemande, courant, sarabande, and gigue) make up the
majority of 17th-century suites; later suites interpolate one or more additional dances
between the sarabande and gigue:
Other features
Extensive ornamentation
Genres
Vocal
Opera
o Zarzuela
o Opera seria
o Opéra comique
o Opera-ballet
Masque
Oratorio
Passion (music)
Cantata
Mass (music)
Anthem
Monody
Chorale
Instrumental
Chorale composition
Concerto grosso
Fugue
Suite
o Allemande
o Courante
o Sarabande
o Gigue
o Gavotte
o Minuet
Sonata
o Sonata da camera
o Sonata da chiesa
o Trio sonata
Partita
Canzona
Sinfonia
Fantasia
Ricercar
Toccata
Prelude
Chaconne
Passacaglia
Choral
Beethoven (1770-
Stamitz German (Bohemian) German
1827)
Gluck (1714-
German Haydn (1732-1809)* Austrian
1787)
The composers marked with an asterisk are the most important to remember.
Style Galant
This is an early classical style, and a very courtly style. It was meant to please
the listener, as opposed to making the listener think. C.P.E. Bach and J.C.
Bach were the main composers who made use of this style.
This style made more of balance and control, grace and beauty of melody,
and the form or design became important.
Texture
The Orchestra
The Orchestra began to grow. The harpsichord continuo gradually fell out of
use. Wind instruments became more important, especially the horns to bind
the texture. Strings were still the main instrument to which were added two
horns, one or two flutes, or a pair of oboes. Gradually, composers added one
or two bassoons, and occasionally a pair of trumpets, or a pair of kettle drums.
Clarinets were introduced towards the end of the 18th Century. Mozart was
the composer responsible for popularising the clarinet. The woodwind section
became a self-contained section:
The Alberti Bass is simple broken chords, repeated in the left hand, which
keeps the music going, and outlines the harmony.
C.P.E. Bach was one of the first piano composers, and started composing
around 1750. J.C. Bach gave the first piano performance in London. A lot of
music was printed for harpsichord or piano, but the harpsichord gradually
faded out of use.
Sonata
The Symphony
Symphony means a sonata for orchestra. It grew from the Italian Overture, but
the Symphony has three movements, instead of three sections. Later on, a
fourth movement was added (commonly a minuet in trio). Stamitz was the
frost famous symphony composer, and the father of this style, Haydn and
Mozart perfected the Symphony in the second half of the 18th Century. The
Symphony can be broken down into:
Haydn wrote numerous sonatas, including the Surprise Symphony, the Drum
Roll Symphony and the London Symphony. Trios and quartets were also in
four movements. Sonatas might have three or four movements. The Classical
Concerto did not include the minuet, so only had three movements.
Sonata Form
The Concerto
Opera
Classical composers wrote much vocal music, especially opera. Gluck was an
important opera composer. Orfeo ed Euridice is one of his works. He made
the actions more important in the opera. At the start of the opera, the overture
prepared the audience for what was to come, Mozart wrote operas including
The Marriage of Figaro, The Magic Flute and Don Giovanni. The Magic Flute
is an example of singspiel (an opera in which singing is mixed up with
dialogue). The orchestra mirrors the mood and drama of the action. Don
Giovani is an example of 'opera buffa' (comic opera).
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)
Classical with a 'c' means anything that is top class, and particularly refers to the
ancient Greeks and Romans. With a 'C' it means a specific style of composers. The
term classical is commonly and incorrectly applied to any music which is not modern.
The correct term for this is actually art music.
Composers of the Period
Composer Nationality Composer Nationality
Beethoven (1770-
Stamitz German (Bohemian) German
1827)
Gluck (1714-
German Haydn (1732-1809)* Austrian
1787)
The composers marked with an asterisk are the most important to remember.
Style Galant
This is an early classical style, and a very courtly style. It was meant to please the
listener, as opposed to making the listener think. C.P.E. Bach and J.C. Bach were the
main composers who made use of this style.
This style made more of balance and control, grace and beauty of melody, and the form
or design became important.
Texture
The Orchestra
The Orchestra began to grow. The harpsichord continuo gradually fell out of use. Wind
instruments became more important, especially the horns to bind the texture. Strings
were still the main instrument to which were added two horns, one or two flutes, or a
pair of oboes. Gradually, composers added one or two bassoons, and occasionally a
pair of trumpets, or a pair of kettle drums. Clarinets were introduced towards the end of
the 18th Century. Mozart was the composer responsible for popularising the clarinet.
The woodwind section became a self-contained section:
Invented as early as 1698, by Cristofori in Italy. This instrument allows soft and loud
notes to be played. The strings were hit by hammers, as opposed to being plucked.
More expression could be played (e.g. Legato, staccato, cantabile.)
The Alberti Bass is simple broken chords, repeated in the left hand, which keeps the
music going, and outlines the harmony.
C.P.E. Bach was one of the first piano composers, and started composing around 1750.
J.C. Bach gave the first piano performance in London. A lot of music was printed for
harpsichord or piano, but the harpsichord gradually faded out of use.
Sonata
A Sonata is a work, in several movements, for one or two instruments. With three
instruments it is a trio, with four it is a quartet, and with five it is a quintet.
The Symphony
Symphony means a sonata for orchestra. It grew from the Italian Overture, but the
Symphony has three movements, instead of three sections. Later on, a fourth
movement was added (commonly a minuet in trio). Stamitz was the frost famous
symphony composer, and the father of this style, Haydn and Mozart perfected the
Symphony in the second half of the 18th Century. The Symphony can be broken down
into:
Haydn wrote numerous sonatas, including the Surprise Symphony, the Drum Roll
Symphony and the London Symphony. Trios and quartets were also in four movements.
Sonatas might have three or four movements. The Classical Concerto did not include
the minuet, so only had three movements.
Sonata Form
1. The Exposition: The composer exposes his musical ideas. The main ideas are
called subjects. The first subject is in the tonic, which modulates (changes key)
near the end to a bridge (transition) passage, which leads to the second subject.
The second subject is in a new, but related, key, often the dominant (Sta) or
relative major (If the first subject is m a minor key). The second subject is usually
more tuneful.
2. Development: Here the ideas are developed. It creates a feeling of tension and
conflict. The climax may be in this section.
3. Recapitulation: The music is repeated from the beginning, but the second
subject is now in the tonic. Finally, the music may have a coda (A direct
translation is tail), which rounds off the music.
The Concerto
It contains a solo instrument and an orchestra. There are three movements (slow, fast,
slow). The first movement has a double-exposition. The first is for the orchestra alone,
followed by the soloist. The second, with the second subject group in the related key.
Then comes the development and the recapitulation, for both the orchestra and the
soloist. Towards the end, the orchestra pauses, and the soloist plays a cadenza (a short
passage,'based on themes heard earlier, which displays the brilliance of the player.)
When the soloist finishes, the soloist ends with a trill, which signifies the orchestra
should come in and finish off the piece. The orchestra plays the coda to end.
Opera
Classical composers wrote much vocal music, especially opera. Gluck was an important
opera composer. Orfeo ed Euridice is one of his works. He made the actions more
important in the opera. At the start of the opera, the overture prepared the audience for
what was to come, Mozart wrote operas including The Marriage of Figaro, The Magic
Flute and Don Giovanni. The Magic Flute is an example of singspiel (an opera in which
singing is mixed up with dialogue). The orchestra mirrors the mood and drama of the
action. Don Giovani is an example of 'opera buffa' (comic opera).