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STARTER ACTIVITY - WHAT CAN YOU SEE? WHAT CAN YOU HEAR?
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IDEAS BOX

What can I see?

What can I hear?

IDEAS BOX

Learning Objectives to know the dates of the Classical period and name popular Classical composers to understand the main features of Classical music and instruments used

to distinguish between Classical music and other types of music

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In the Classical period although the strings were still the backbone of the orchestra, the woodwind became more important and formed its own section in the orchestra. There would usually be two flutes, two oboes, two bassoons and later two clarinets. Brass instruments were also more prominent and a typical brass section would now contain trumpets, and French horns with trombones being added later on during the Classical period. The percussion section remained fairly straightforward with the timpani. The continuo player was now no longer considered necessary and the orchestra was for the first time directed from the front by a conductor.

The Baroque Orchestra

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The Classical Orchestra

Look at the two images above that show a typical Baroque and a typical Classical Orchestra. What instrument has disappeared from the front of the orchestra? What two instruments have been added in the development from the Baroque orchestra to the Classical orchestra? The score on the left is the opening of Mozarts Symphony No.40, your second set work. Look carefully at the names of the instruments given at the start of the score and see if you can work out in what order the instruments are laid out. Why do you think this is?
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Listen carefully to the following extracts of music and decide whether you think the music is taken from the Classical period or not. Jot down a brief reason why in the notes column to justify your decision.

Classical? YES/NO Extract 1 Extract 2 Extract 3 Extract 4 Extract 5 Extract 6 Extract 7 Extract 8 Extract 9 Extract 10
yes
no no

Notes
string quartet , drastic dynamics (fzs, pp, ff )

harpsichord, sequence, continuos phrases, polyphonic.

complicated, thick texture

yes yes
no

clarinet, symphony, symmetrical, string domination, elegant, light,symphony, string domination snare drum, complex, brass domination
string quartet, distinct melody, light light, elegant, string domination

yes yes no yes

harpsichord balance of brass and strings, elegant, light, symphony

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Which features belong to which period? 1750-1820 String dominated orchestra Ornamentation Symphony developed Handel Piano Polyphony 1600-1750 Mostly melody and accompaniment texture Terraced Dynamics Trills Ground Bass String quartet developed Haydn

Opera popular Mozart

Basso Continuo

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PLENARY SELF ASSESSMENT

KEY WORDS Classical, Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Sonata, Concerto, Symphony, String Section, Chamber Music, Conductor, Piano, Classical Orchestra, String Quartet, Elegance, Clarity, Balanced Phrases, Contrasting Dynamics, Melody & Accompaniment Texture

I know the dates of the Classical period I can name some Classical composers I can explain the main features used by composers and performers in Classical music I know which instruments were popular during the Classical period I can distinguish between features of Classical music and other types of music (e.g. Baroque) when listening

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