Classical Music - Term Paper Example

ICAL MUSIC ICAL MUSIC: ical music is defined as a music which was produced in western world in the period of 1750 to 1820 A.D. It included chamber music, opera and choral pieces. So, all of these types of music are referred to as classical music. The classical music has very strong connections with the philosophy and art of ancient Greeks and Romans. Their ideal balances of music and expressions were adapted in framing the classical music. However, with the passage of time, this ancient music took the shape of Baroque which was further developed by the midst of 18th century into the classical music. Johann Christian and Carl Emanuel are considered as the founders of classical music. Sonata form is considered as one of the most important forms and development of this period. The composers of Baroque music also wrote sonatas, however, the sonatas of classical music are quite different from that of Sonatas written by Baroque composers. The classical sonata uses conflict which makes them distinct from other baroque sonatas. The sonata form later resulted in the development of modern concerts, trio and symphony. Thus, expressive and structural refinement in the music is achieved in this period of classical music and it has become the most significant characteristic of this period. Thus, the period of classical music (1750-1820 A.D) is dominated by the slow movement of the music from baroque style to the classical style. Carl Phillip, Johann Christian, Wolfgang Mozart and Joseph Haydn are some of the important composers of that time. The former two initiated a gradual shift from baroque style to the classical music while the latter two further refined the classical music style on the basis of sensibility and symmetry. This structured music dominated the period spanning from 1750 to 1820 A.D. However, in 1820 A.D., the classical music reached its peak. But at the same time, the composers and musicians considered it necessary to go beyond the boundary encompassed by the classically designed piano and orchestra. So in 1820 A.D., the period of classical music ended up and a new era in the history of music began which is know known as Early Romantic Age. SIGNIFICANCE: The period of classical music played a role of great significance in the development of music. The baroque style of music was dominating the Western society at that time. However, slowly and gradually, the classical music replaced the baroque style and made it obsolete. It also significantly influenced the Western culture. It was due to classical music that the tradition of public concerts was flourished in the West. Before that period, most of the composers were the employees of a person or a family. Their chief purpose was to sooth that person and family and so, the music was composed with the intention of soothing particular individual. With the growth and expansion of public concerts, the composers were able to feature and compose music of their own choice. These public concerts also attracted much larger audience. With the expansion of public concerts, the need for orchestra was also increased. Further, the composers also started to expand orchestra size and thus, accommodated the expanded vision of this music. Orchestral public concerts also resulted in the development of symphonic music. It was by the midst of 18th century that the composers started writing music for symphonies. Symphonies mostly scored for orchestra. Another significant feature of this period is the replacement of harpsicord by piano. But the main significance of this period is the development of Sonta form. All these characteristics greatly influenced the development of music in the Western world and also the style of classical music. AESTHETICS OF CLASSICAL MUSIC AGE: The classical music age is considered very aesthetic and creative in the field of music. Different styles of music together with different musical instruments were developed in this period. The most significance is the replacement of baroque by new style of music known as classical music. The classical music is much lighter than the traditional baroque style. It soothes minds well and that was one of the basic reasons of its development. It also has a texture which is clearer than baroque. It was easier to understand classical music due to its texture and lesser complexity. The classical music is also considered as homophonic. The contrast and variety within a single piece of music became more apparent than before. It also helped to understand the variety of meanings of the music. Different varieties of rhythms, keys, dynamics and melodies emerged in this period as a result of the use of sforzando, diminuendo and crescendo. Rhythms and melodies were also changed according to the change in the mood of the audience and listeners as well as of the composers. Such variety was not available previously in the period of baroque. The melodies of this period are kept shorter in length. Moreover, the songs consist of shorter and clearer phrases. The beats and strokes used are also kept to be marked clearly. All these qualities which were developed in this period enhanced the quality, clarity and the understanding of the music through structural improvement of the music. Another major development of this period is the increase of the range and size of Orchestra. The size of Orchestra increased considerably. The range of music played by the Orchestra was also increased. The number of instruments orchestra used was also raised. However, some instruments used by orchestra were just the replacement of old instruments used. There was also a great development in the musical instruments in this age. The harpsichord which was an important musical instrument in baroque style was discarded in classical. In its place, the piano was introduced which in no time took its place. Initially, the music produced by piano was of very light texture. But with the passage of time, the music became more powerful, richer and louder in its touch. On the other hand, woodwind, which was not previously in use in baroque style, became an autonomous section of classical music. Several different forms of music were developed in the period of classical music. More focus was put on music which was influential and active in its effects. This gave rise to different new forms of music. The more important of these forms were trio, concerto, string quartet, divertimento, serenade and symphony. However, the most important one which also gained the most popularity was sonata form. This form was used to start and build up most of the large scale advancements in the field of music. Many single pieces of music were also extracted out from this form. EFFECTS OF CLASSICAL MUSIC: Classical music puts a great effect on everyone listening it. Its structured phrases and fluctuating intensity helped a lot to tell about the situation without using any words. That is the reason why classical music is often used in motion pictures in order to tell the story of the scene. Classical music results in increased reward to the person listening to it. A study shows that a person who listens to classical music gets increased psychological rewards from its listening. The circulation of blood to several areas of brain is increased. This increased circulation activates the autonomic and emotional parts of the brain. Another part of brain discharges a chemical known as dopamine. Dopamine affects the mood of the person and helps him to be able to feel satisfaction and pleasure. Another benefit which is observed in the people listening to classical music is known as Mozart Effect. This effect happens when jumps resulting from spatial reasoning are experienced by the person listening to Mozart sonata. These temporary spatial gains result in temporary increase in IQ level of the subjects. However, the temporary increase in IQ level lasts for only 12 minutes. This effect may be induced by listening to the music played by Mozart piano. Classical music may also be used as a cure for some patients suffering from epilepsy. Many experiments in this regard have been carried out and it is revealed that the Mozart effect created by the classical music played has helped out in improving the conditions of many patients. Classical music has also been tested and proved as instrumental in boosting IQ level. Many experiments are also carried out in this regard and it is revealed that the person listening to classical music has a much higher level of IQ than the one who does not listen to it. It is also tested that, as opposed to Mozart Effect where the increase in IQ level is only temporary, increase in overall IQ level produced by listening to classical music is permanent. Classical music has also been helpful for preschoolers in building their ability towards temporal and spatial reasoning. Research has shown that the students who used to study playing piano have much better reasoning ability than the one who use to learn using computers. It has also been observed that the students who are the regular performers and listeners of classical music perform much better than the other students. It is interesting to note that such students not only perform high in manual subjects but also their performance is much better in the Math subjects or the subjects which require higher understanding. This shows that the classical music increases the cramming as well as understanding ability of the students. Classical music has also been proven as a strong agent against many diseases. This effect of classical music appears in the form of increasing interleukin-1 levels in the blood of the listeners. Interleukins are basically proteins which provide strong protection to the body against drastic diseases such as cancer, AIDS or other like diseases. It is also observed by many psychologists and neuro-specialists that in the age of 11-13 years, the right part of brain hemisphere become harder to be accessed. This develops a sense of self-consciousness in the children of this age. The classical music has been found very helpful for the complete integration and collaboration of the body and mind of the children. INTERESTING ASPECTS OF CLASSICAL MUSIC: Classical music was emerged in the midst of 18th century. By the end of first quarter of 19th century, the classical period is deemed to be ended up. However, it is still very popular in Europe and also in other parts of the world. In many areas, classical music is still preferred to other types of modern music. The musical instruments developed and used by classical music initially are now used in other music styles also. Though classical music was emerged and became popular due to its soothing effects and its structured purity and refinement, latest studies show that it is also very much helpful in increasing IQ level. It is also found to be helpful in curing many diseases epilepsy and seizures. Thus, the classical music has effects beyond the boundaries which were considered in the period of its emergence (1750-1820 A.D.). However, there is still a need to explore this field as it will certainly bring out new interesting aspects of classical music which is still unknown to the musicians and composers of classical music. References: 1. Christensen, T. What is Classical Music? 14th April. 2011. 2. Oracle Think Quest. History of Music. 14th April. 2011. 3. Hipsher, E. Learning to Like Classical Music. 14th April. 2011. 4. NAXOS. History of Classical Music. 15th April. 2011. 5. eHow. What are the Benefits of Classical Music on Brain? 15th April. 2011. 6. Labrecht, N. 2002. Classical Music Plays Away. 16th April. 2011. 7. Classics Today. Classical Music Ten Dirties Secrets. 16th April. 2011. http://www.classicstoday.com/features/0404-editorial.asp Read More