MUSIC

QUARTER 2 – MODULE 1
MELC: Describe the musical elements of given
Classical period pieces.
A. Introduction:
In this module, you will learn the historical and cultural background of the Classical era. In the history of
Western music, the term Classical refers to the period from 1750-1820. Classical music conforms the ideals
of objectivity, emotional restraint, clarity of form and adherence to certain structural principles. During this
time, there were significant changes in musical forms and style distinguishing the music from those of the
previous era. Other musical elements and characteristics of classical music will also be discussed in this
module.

B. Discussions:
The Classical era, also called “Age of Reason “, is the period from 1750-1820. The cultural life was
dominated by the aristocracy, as patrons of musicians and artists who generally influenced the arts. Significant
changes in musical forms and styles were made.
In the middle of the 18th century, Europe began to move toward a new style in architecture, literature,
and the arts, known as Classicism. It was also pushed forward by changes in the economic order and in social
structure. Primarily the nobility patronized instrumental music.
Important historical events that occurred in the West during the Era were the French Revolution and the
Napoleonic Wars, the American Declaration of independence in 1776 and the American Revolution.
The term “classical” denotes conformity with the principles and characteristics of ancient Greece and
Roman literature and art, which were formal, elegant, simple, freed and dignified.
The following are the specific characteristics of the Classical music:
1. Texture
Usually, Classical music is homophonic. There is one melodic line with a non-melodic or less
melodic accompaniment, thus creating a simpler texture as opposed to the massive sound of Baroque
music.
2. Melody
There is a strong emphasis on the melody in Classical music. Classical melodies are typically
short, lyrical, and easy to sing.
3. Harmony
Classical harmony is a lot simpler than that of the Baroque. It is strongly tonal because key
signatures are firmly established during this period.
4. Dynamics
The dynamics of loud and soft were clearly shown through the extensive use of crescendo and
diminuendo.
5. Form
Musical forms in the Classical period were clearly defined. Music was organized into precise, well-
balanced, and clear sections.

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6. Improvisation
The importance of the basso continuo had been reduced during this period. This is why
improvisation had become less and less significant. If Baroque music uses basso continuo as the bass
accompaniment, Classical music uses the Alberti bass, a broken chord accompaniment named after
Domenico Alberti.
The great composers of Classical period were Franz Joseph Haydn, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
and Van Ludwig Beethoven. Sonata, concerto, and Symphony are the instrumental forms developed
during this era while Opera Seria and Opera Buffa are the two vocal forms.

C. Readings:
Before the classical style of music had been established, it went through a transition period from
Baroque to Classical. This transition period is called the Pre-classical period. It approximately covers from
1730 to 1770. During this transition stage, diverse concepts of musical style, form, and medium could be
found. These style are the Rococo, the Empfindsamer Stil (German: sensitive style), and the Pre-classical

Rococo Style

Existing and in use approximately from 1720-1775, this particular style was developed in France. This
is characterized by being simple, elegant, graceful, and profusely and delicately ornamented as opposed to the
complex and heavy style of Baroque.
Empfindsamer Stil
The style gallant had become known in Germany after 1750, and it was called Empfindsamer Stil but
with more enhanced and intensified expressiveness.
Preclassical Style
This style is characterized by changes in concepts of form, style and medium used in the previous
period. This occurred from about 1740to 1770. During this stage, there were fusions of styles employed during
Baroque, Pre- classical, and Classical periods.
Works of Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven are still popular today. Their compositions are now
commonly used as music to animated series of popular cartoon companies such as Looney Toons, Warner
Brothers, 20th Century Fox, Pixar, etc. Beethoven’s music was used
in one of the films for children and Little Einstein’s animated series such as Symphony no. 5, Op.67, Cm
and Piano Sonata no.14 in C#m ( Moonlight) Ist mov. They also features the music of the great composers
Beethoven, Haydn and Mozart.

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D. Examples:

Listening to Classical Music

Here are some examples of Classical music and their suggested listening resources:
1. W. A. Mozart Serenade in G minor ( Eine Kleine NachtmusiK)
Link: [Link]
2. L. V. Beethoven Piano Sonata No. 14 in C#m ( Moonight Sonata) 1st movement
Link: [Link]
3. L. V. Beethoven Symphony No.5, Op.67, Cm
Link: [Link]
4. W. A. Mozart Piano Sonata No. 16 in C major, K.545
Link: [Link]
5. F.J. Haydn Symphony no. 94 in G major “ Surprise” 2nd movement
Link: [Link]

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II: Activity Proper
Activity No. 1

Directions: Identify the word/words that describe / associated to the target word in the middle of the word
web. Write your answer in the circles that surround it. Use a separate sheet of paper.

CLASSICAL
MUSIC

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Activity No. 2
Directions: Describe the musical elements / characteristics of W.A. Mozart’s Serenade in G minor
(EineKleineNachtmusik)[Link]
Write your answer on the diagram.

CLASSICAL MUSIC

Texture

Melody

Harmony

Dynamics

Form

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Key to Corrections

Activity 1
Alberti bass
Age of reason
Melodies are simple and easy to remember
Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven
Sonata, Symphony, Concerto
Classical Opera (Opera Buffa/Opera Seria)
1750-1820
Homophonic

Activity 2

1. Texture- lighter and clearer texture and homophonic in general

2. Melody- simple, formal and easy to remember
3. Harmony- is homophonic
4. Dynamics- loud and soft were shown through the extensive use of crescendo and diminuendo.
5. Form- were clearly defined, music was organized into price, well-balanced and clear sections.

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III: SUMMATIVE EVALUATION
A. Directions: Write the letter of the correct answer on the blank provided.
1. Which of the following is the musical texture of Classical music?
a. Monophonic c. Heterophonic
b. Homophonic d. Polyphonic
2. It refers to the style of broken chord accompaniment.
a. Alberti bass c. Symphony
a. Concerto d. Rondo From
3. Which of the following best describes classical music?
a. The harmony and texture is polyphonic in general
b. It is loud and soft in dynamics and has extensive used of crescendo and diminuendo
c. There is no contrast of mood
d. It is basically monophonic in texture.
4. Which of the following historical events occurred during the classical era?
a. The fall of the Roman Empire
b. Composers borrowed musical style in Germany
c. French Revolution and Napoleonic wars
d. Christian Church influenced Europe’s culture
5. What is true about the melodies of classical music?
a. Simple c. Freed and dignified
b. Elegant and formal d. All of these
6. The following are composers of Classical period except one:
a. W. A. Mozart c. Thomas Morley
b. L. V. Beethoven d. F. J. Haydn
_7. Classical era is also known as
a. Dark Ages c. Pearl of Irregular Shape
b. Age or Reason d. Rebirth
_8. Which of the following is not an instrumental form developed during the Classical Period?
a. Program music c. Symphony
b. Sonata d. Concerto
9. What are the inclusive dates of Classical period?
a. 1750-1820 c. 1600-1750
b. 1450-1600 d. 1825-1900
10. The only important innovation in vocal music during the classical period is .
a. Oratorios c. Opera
b. Mass d. Lieder

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B. Directions: Write True if the statement is correct, if not; Change the underlined word or group of
words with the correct answer. Write your answer on the blank provided.

1. The general texture of classical music is polyphonic.

2. Classical period is also known as “Dark Ages”.
3. The term classical denotes conformity with the characteristics and principles of Greek and
Roman art and literature.
4. Melodies of Classical music is easy to remember.
5. Sonata, Concerto, and Symphony are the examples of vocal music.

C. Difficult: Directions: Listen to Mozart’s “Piano Sonata No. 16 in C Major, K.545” at

[Link] Identify and describe the characteristics of the given
classical period piece through an essay.
RUBRIC
Description Score Score Obtained
Ideas and Content- Substantial, specific 4
and/or illustrative content demonstrating
strong (deep) analysis of the topics.
Writing-Organization: Clear logical 3
sequence
Writing Sentence Fluency: Length variety 3
and flow of writing.
TOTAL 10

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References
Books:
Learner’s Material for Music & Arts Grade 9; Departemnt of Education Morales, Gilnore [Link]. Active
MAPEH [Link] Publishing House 2016
Concha, argie A. [Link]. MAPEH 9 The Phoenix Publishing House ,Inc 2017. Quezon City
Online and Other Sources:
[Link] [Link]
[Link]
[Link] [Link]
[Link] [Link]