How does the music of the classical period differ from the music of the baroque period? Join us as we explore the answer to this question and more!

The Classical Period

The Classical period of music is from 1750-1820. This period follows the Baroque period and precedes the Romantic period. The major difference between the Classical period and the Baroque period is that the Classical period was all about balance, order, and simplicity. The music of this period was lighter and more elegant than the music of the Baroque period.

Thematic unity

The Classical period was an era of classical music between approximately 1730 to 1820. The Classical period is shorter than the preceding Baroque period and the following Romantic period. Classical music has a lighter, clearer texture than Baroque music and is less complex. It is mainly homophonic, using a clear melody line over a subordinate harmony, but counterpoint was still respected.

The best-known composers from the Classical era are Joseph Haydn, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven and Franz Schubert.

The music of the Classical period is more lyrical and expressive

The music of the Classical period is more lyrical and expressive, with a greater focus on melody and harmony. The texture of the music is often lighter, with thinner textures and fewer layers. The form of the music is also more constrained, with simpler structures and a greater focus on symmetry. The tempo is generally slower, and the dynamics are more restrained.

The Baroque Period

The Baroque period was a time of great change in the world of music. Instruments and voices were used together in new ways, and composers began to write music that was expressive and emotional. The classical period that followed was a time of more restrained music, with a focus on balance and order.

The music of the Baroque period is more complex

While both the Classical and Baroque periods of music history saw incredible advances in the composition and performance of music, the Baroque period was marked by more complex musical forms and structures. The Baroque period also saw a greater emphasis on the use of ornamentation and improvisation.

The music of the Baroque period is more contrapuntal

The music of the Baroque period is more contrapuntal than the music of the Classical period. In Baroque music, there are often several melodic lines going on at the same time, each with its own rhythm. This complexity gives Baroque music a richer, more ornate sound than the simpler music of the Classical period.

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