What happened to instruments during the Classical era?
During the Classical era, several instruments changed to produce a wider range of sounds. One of the most important was the fortepiano, an early keyboard instrument that could play both loud and soft. The orchestra also became more standardized into sections of instruments and increased in size. Adding more instruments changed the texture, or the way the different sounds blended together. The Baroque period was focused on polyphonic melodies and ornamentation. The Classical era, in contrast, focused on traditional harmony with memorable melodies. These new instruments and ensemble combinations highlighted the beautiful melodies of the Classical era.
Fortepiano
During the Classical era, the fortepiano became increasingly popular and began to replace the harpsichord as the preferred keyboard instrument. It used hammers instead of quills to strike the strings, allowing it to play louder and softer. The name fortepiano literally means loud/soft. This achievement greatly influenced classical music compositions. You can hear a lot of dynamics, which are loud and soft, in music during the Classical era.
For more information about keyboard instruments, visit Baroque Keyboard Instruments
Strings in the Classical Era
Double basses began to get their own part in compositions instead of playing the bass part with the cellos.
Famous Bass Compositions
Johann Baptist Vaňhal – Double Bass Concerto in D Major (1770s): One of the most important and frequently performed Classical-era concertos for the double bass.
Ludwig van Beethoven – Symphony No. 9 in D Minor (4th Movement): The double basses and cellos introduce the famous “Ode to Joy” melody.
Camille Saint-Saëns – The Elephant (from The Carnival of the Animals): The double bass mimics an elephant dancing a waltz.
Violins During the Classical Era
During the Classical Period, performances in large public concert halls became popular. The violin needed to be heard well in these new venues. Structural changes were made to increase the dynamic of the violin and expand the range. The fingerboard was lengthened so that composers like Mozart could use the higher portion of the fingerboard, and the angle was changed to accommodate higher tension on the strings. The bridge was raised, and in 1775 the modern bow was developed.
Violins had two separate parts in music (violin 1 and violin 2). Today, this compositional voicing is still practiced.
Famous Classical Era Compositions Featuring the Violin
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – Violin Concerto No. 5 in A Major, K. 219 “Turkish” (1775): Mozart was only 19 years old when he wrote this!
Ludwig van Beethoven – Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 61 (1806): This is an example of a violin solo, which is composed harmoniously with the symphony behind it that also displays the virtuosity of the performer.
Wind Instruments During the Classical Era
The clarinet became a part of the woodwind section of an orchestra when Haydn used it in his compositions. Haydn also let trumpets have their own part, instead of doubling the horns.
Popular Pieces Featuring the Clarinet
Chamber Music: Three Trios, Hob. IV (Es 1, Es 2, B 1) (1781): These trios were written for violin, cello, and clarinet to be played at home.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Clarinet Concerto in A major, K.622 (1791): Mozart composed this for his friend Anton Stadler before Mozart passed away a few weeks later. It is considered one of the greatest compositions for clarinet.
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