Transcript Background of the Symphony

Origins of the
Symphony
The Baroque Period
(1600-1750)
• Birth of opera.
• Very dramatic period.
• Extreme contrasts. [romantic]
• Employment opportunities
for musicians were either
in courts, churches or
opera houses.
• The first use of Orchestra was in
the Baroque period
• It was used to accompany opera
performances in Italty
• Introduction to Italian opera
• the overture was called Sinfonia
• 3 movements orchestra only
• purpose was to quiet audience
• Italian opera overture FSF.
• Usually, the sinfonia was the
last thing written by the
composer. It had very little
musical value.
• When orchestral concerts became
popular, the repertoire for the
orchestra came from the sinfonia.
• Composers began writing for orchestra
using the established form.
Rococo/Preclassic period (1725-1775)
• The precursor of the Classical period
• “Ugly Duckling” period
• Age of sensibility. Desired music to be
simple and expressive of natural
feeling.
• Tried to avoid the Baroque styles of
music.
6 Features of
Baroque Music
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Doctrine of Affections
Unity of Mood
Constant melody (repeated motives with few cadences)
Constant rhythm
Terraced Dynamics
Polyphonic Texture
Chords and the basso continuo
Baroque vs. Classical
• In Baroque, the musical interest is split
between the two outermost voices
• In Classical, it is singly in the highest
voice, with everything else serving as
supporting harmony.
• The Harmonic rhythm is slower in the
Classical Period
Johann Stamitz (1717-1757)
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1. Violin Teacher - taught string players for Mannheim
Orchestra (Germany)
2. Conductor - Conducted the string players he taught in
Mannheim Orchestra. He conducted with very much
control over the group, as they knew his style. They were
all his students.
“Mannheim Steamroller” - the great crescendo that
Mannheim Orchestra played
3. Composer - wrote music for orchestras to play
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Stamitz took the Italian Sinfonia (FSF) and
altered it
Added dance-like movement after second
movement (FSDF)
Changed the name to Symphony
This form became established and standardized
by later composers of the Classical period,
notably Haydn.
Added second theme in the Exposition
Composers
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Music was written because it was their job.
They had to compose on a regular basis for
particular events or people.
Composers developed formulas to ease
compositional burdens.
• The symphony has its origins in
the Baroque period, but the
development occurs mainly
throughout the eighteenth
century (the Classical Period).
Classical Period
1750-1825
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The eighteenth century is known as the Age of
Enlightenment,
a time when the middle class becomes important
learning is focused on that which is natural, able
to be observed, and makes sense
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Music is thought of a luxury, but a luxury
that anyone could enjoy.
It was not to be too complex, or emotional,
or adventurous.
It should be simple, pleasing to the ear, and
have regular cadences and phrases.
Symmetry, balance, logic, etc.