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Types of Music
This site introduces unknown Emanuel Bach (C. P. E. Bach).
Types of Music
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In 18th-century Western music, various musical genres developed, reflecting the transition from the Baroque era to the Classical period. Below are the main types of music from this period.
1. Symphony
- The symphony emerged in the late 18th century and developed into a central genre of Classical music.
- Initially composed in a three-movement structure (fast-slow-fast), it later evolved into a four-movement form (first movement in sonata form, slow movement, minuet or scherzo, and a finale).
- Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach and Haydn contributed to early symphonies, which were later refined by Mozart and Beethoven.
2. Concerto
- Characterized by a dialogue between a soloist (or multiple soloists) and the orchestra.
- Transitioned from the Baroque concerto grosso (e.g., Corelli) to solo concertos (e.g., Vivaldi, Bach), with an emphasis on showcasing soloistic virtuosity by the late 18th century.
- Mozart refined the genre with his piano concertos.
3. Chamber Music (String Quartet, etc.)
- The string quartet (two violins, viola, cello) emerged in the late 18th century, with Haydn establishing its form.
- Chamber music (sonatas, trios) was often performed in domestic settings or intimate social gatherings, focusing on equal dialogue between instruments.
4. Keyboard Solo Works
- Predominantly composed in sonata form, performed on the clavichord, harpsichord, and fortepiano.
- Carl Philipp Emanuel Bachʼs keyboard sonatas embodied the empfindsamer Stil (sensitive style), expressing freedom and emotional nuance.
- Works by Mozart and Haydn further developed the balance between form and expression.
5. Vocal Music
- Opera: Transitioned from late Baroque Italian opera seria (e.g., Handel) to Classical opera buffa (e.g., Mozart). In France, Gluck led reforms emphasizing drama.
- Sacred Music: Traditional styles, such as Bachʼs church cantatas and oratorios, evolved into simpler and clearer forms during the Classical period.
- Lied: Developed in the late 18th century as accompanied songs that became popular in domestic music-making.
6. Dances and Instrumental Miniatures
- Dances like the gavotte, gigue, and minuet were performed in courts and social gatherings.
- These evolved from Baroque dance suites into independent instrumental pieces during the Classical period.
Music in the 18th century saw significant development in both form and expression within each genre, laying the foundation for modern Western music. Each genre carried distinct roles and aesthetics, contributing to the rich legacy of this transitional era bridging the Baroque and Classical periods.