The emphasis on the simplicity of music was a response to Enlightenment ideals. Composers wanted individuals to be able to listen to and appreciate the music even if they hadn’t had formal training or other knowledge about the music. Music was to be understandable to the people who listened to it. The focus in many areas of life was also turning toward the individual, rather than societal institutions such as religious organizations. Whereas in earlier time periods, the Church had a great deal of influence over the arts, in the Classical period, the emphasis was more on humanity and the individual, allowing the arts to flourish in ways that it had not previously.
What does the music sound like? Much of the music from the Classical era is lighter and more balanced than the music from the Baroque period. Homophony was also a common characteristic in the music of the Classical period. Homophony is the use of a single melody accompanied by chords. There is much less ornamentation in the music compared to music from the Baroque period, but composers used more contrasts in the music. For example, the music of the Classical era sometimes contrasts different emotions or feelings within the same piece of music, separating the music into different sections.
Mozart: Sonata No. 3 in B Flat Major
When we talk about the music of the Classical period as being more “simple” than that of the Baroque period, it is important to remember that in this case “simple” doesn’t necessarily mean less complex. Instead, it sounds simpler to the listener. The reality is that much of the music of the Classical period is technically precise and complex. One reason for this is that composers were able to draw upon more talented musicians to play their pieces. During the Baroque period, most composers had patrons who supported them, and they worked in the town where the patron lived. This often meant that they had to make do with the musicians that were available. During the Classical period, more composers moved to places like Vienna, where they were able to take their pick of the most talented musicians in Europe to play their pieces. Composers could write more challenging music for all of the musicians in the orchestra or ensemble to play.
During the Classical period, instrumental music increased in popularity. Although vocal pieces were still composed, many of the famous works of this period are instrumental. The use of more instrumental music created a period of music that showcases big, grand pieces of music. Larger ensembles and orchestras often performed these pieces. The Classical period was really the first time period to include full sections of woodwind, brass, and string instruments in the orchestra, resulting in an often full and dramatic sound.
Forms of Music
In the beginning of the Classical period, the new styles and compositions used the forms of music that were popular in the Baroque period. Composers took the older forms and made them simpler and created more distinct divisions in the music. However, as time passed, composers began to develop and use new forms of music and ways of composing pieces.