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What is the
Classical Era in Music?
While often the word
"classical" is used to refer to concert music in general, "The Classical
Era" refers to a specific historical period: 1750-1820. as preceded by The
Baroque Era and followed by The Romantic Era.
The Classical Era in music
corresponds to the period also known as The Enlightenment. Significant
events of this period included The American Revolution, The French
Revolution, and The Napoleonic Era.
Franz Joseph Haydn,
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and Ludwig van Beethoven,three of the most beloved
and well-known of all composers, represent the period for many listeners. There
were, however, many others who also wrote great music and helped
develop the style.
How did the music of these
and other composers reflect the ideals of times? How did they react to the social
shifts from music primarily for the nobility or the church to music
composed for a larger public? How did today's familiar forms like
concerto, symphony, sonata, opera,
and string quartet achieve prominence in the concert world.
Maestro Butts has worked as
a musicologist and conductor in the music of the 18th century,
including the works of the period's three most famous composers and many of their
colleagues.
Join him for a 5-week
course on the period Tuesday mornings at
The Madison Public Library May 30 through June 27.
For
further information and to register, click here.
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