The contrast between Baroque and Classical Music

The contrast between Baroque and Classical Music

Baroque and classical architecture differs in age, purpose, and attributes. Leach highlights that baroque architecture originates in Italy in the 17th century and fused with decorative and theatrical elements (2016). According to the source, the architecture’s primary purpose is to impress. Some of the discipline’s principal attributes include domes, quadrature, cartouche, elliptical spaces, and contrasting art.

On the other hand, classical architecture was discovered between the 4th and 7th BC. Leach argues that the style principle purpose is stability and reinforcement (2016). However, the author states that some types of classical architecture capture decorative aesthetic. Some of the main attributes of the style include precise construction geometry and symmetry, numerous pillars, strong foundation, and pediments.

Baroque music is easily recognizable, accounted for by its unique characteristics. The most common attribute of the entertainment form is basso continuo. Also, a single mood per piece attributes the music. Cyr expresses the importance of the string section in the entertainment form (2017). Besides, major and minor keys replace the modes of music. Cyr highlights that the music is compatible with vast forms, for example, binary and fugue (2017). Similarly, baroque music consists of energetic rhythms. Finally, the entertainment form entails various music types: chorale and opera.

Classical music has a pure texture: the entertainment form is more homophonic in comparison to baroque music. The music, according to contemporary literature, focuses on elegance and entertainment balance. Also, the music is attributed to a variety of keys, modes, tempos, and instruments, enhancing its contrast (DK, 2018). Melodies of classical music are short and straightforward associated with marked cadences. Classical music’s orchestra is optimized in range and size perspectives. Most of the art is accompanied by piano and Alberti bass. Finally, the common types of classical music include sonata, symphony, and concerto.

Beethoven was a German composer and pianist, born in 1845. He studied music with Joseph Haydn in his early 20s. Beethoven inspired the development of Opus 1n 1795, leading to the development of symphony 1. In 1801, the artist gained popularity following his six quartets and ballet involvement. The songwriter released his third and fifth symphonies in 1804 and 1808, respectively. In 1809, he was diagnosed with hearing difficulties, which cabbed his public appearances in 1811. However, the self-exile gave the artist ample time to compose proved by his quality climax.

The artist’s legacy includes Beethoven Halle, constructed and designed within 29 days in his honor for hosting music local music festivals. His statues in Vienna and other cities in the 1980s also demonstrates his importance in music development (DK, 2018). Similarly, Beethoven’s inscription on the symphony hall in Boston signifies his uniqueness. Finally, the Beethoven House Museum in Bonn serves as a center of music research while preserving his name.

Piano and harpsichord, despite their fundamental similarities, have different sound production processes. Hammers strike piano’s keys in sessions while players pluck the strings of the harpsichord 9DK, 2018). The former was introduced in the 18th century while the latter gained popularity in the mid-14th century. Also, piano and harpsichord have seven and five octaves, respectively. Contemporary literature, besides, demonstrates the slimmer keys of the harpsichord’s in comparison to the broader piano’s opponents (DK, 2018). Similarly, tone maintenance is easy in piano but impossible on its opponent. Piano settings, finally, allow volume and pitch adjustments. On the other hand, harpsichord’s artists have little control over volume and pitch.

The third piece is quite different from its predecessors. First, the symphony’s mood is consistent, unlike Mozart and Beethoven’s symphony (Cyr, 2017). The pieces’ parts consist of minimized contrast. At any point in the entertainment, only instruments with synchronizing sounds are played (Cyr, 2017). Besides, the harmony consists of unique tools, for example, bells and bassoon. Finally, the piece is accompanied by extensive string sections.

References

Cyr, M. (2017). Performing Baroque Music (3rd ed.). Taylor and Francis.https://books.google.co.ke/books?id=5CUxDwAAQBAJ&dq=baroque+music&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiN88GZ0J3oAhUNQRUIHW98CwQQ6AEIJzAA

1. (2018). The Classical Music Book: Big Ideas Simply Explained(2nd ed.). Dorling Kindersley. https://books.google.co.ke/books?id=qV5gDwAAQBAJ&dq=classical+music&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwis6Nu7vJ3oAhWoQxUIHZ_cCfUQ6AEIJzAA

Leach, A., & Macarthur, J. (2016). The Baroque in Architectural Culture, 1880-1980 (2nd ed.). Routledge. https://books.google.co.ke/books?id=_pK1CwAAQBAJ&dq=Baroque+Architecture&source=gbs_navlinks_s