Classical music the era of Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven /
"The latest volume in the Norton Introduction to Music History series focuses on the rise and decline of the Classical style, which flourished from the middle of the eighteenth century to the second decade of the nineteenth. The author demonstrates the enormous diversity and constant change tha...
| Main Author: | Downs, Philip G. |
|---|---|
| Format: | Book |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
New York :
W.W. Norton,
1992.
|
| Physical Description: |
xvi, 697 pages : illustrations ; 25 cm. |
| Series: |
Norton introduction to music history.
|
| Subjects: |
| Summary: |
"The latest volume in the Norton Introduction to Music History series focuses on the rise and decline of the Classical style, which flourished from the middle of the eighteenth century to the second decade of the nineteenth. The author demonstrates the enormous diversity and constant change that characterized music and musical life during this period. Downs eschews the usual stylistic labels, such as Rococo and High Classic, and instead organizes the text into short time spans. Within each, he looks to the social conditions and daily life of the musician, the aesthetics and audience preference in structures, performing combinations, and performing styles. The minor composers, or kleinmeister, are carefully observed, since they most accurately mirror their times. On the other hand, the giants, who left their mark on music for all time, receive full biographical scrutiny at each stage of their development."--BOOK JACKET. "The book begins with the transition from the Baroque up to 1760 and the burgeoning new style that developed in the next two decades. The author then focuses on the early years of Haydn and Mozart before giving full treatment to the last twenty years of the eighteenth century, which saw the Classical style reach its apogee. Downs returns to the mature Haydn and deals with the last decade of Mozart's life, and finally considers Beethoven's musical origins and accomplishments. He concludes by documenting the eighteenth-century heritage at work in the early nineteenth century."--BOOK JACKET. "Copiously illustrated, with abundant music examples, this fascinating survey provides invaluable insights into the period that produced some of the most astonishing music ever written."--Jacket. |
|---|---|
| Item Description: |
Includes bibliographical references (pages 669-677) and index. Transition from Baroque: music to 1760. Background to eighteenth-century thought -- Musician in society -- Music for private performance -- Music for public performance -- Words and music on the stage -- Embracing the new style: music 1760-80. Social and philosophical milieu -- Musician's livelihood -- Music in the home -- Concert and church music -- Opera -- Haydn, the developing master. Early years: 1732-60 -- First Esterházy years: to 1770 -- Great stylistic break: 1770-79 -- Mozart, genius apparent. Wunderkind years: 1756-73 -- Early style -- "Colloredo" years: 1773-81 -- High Salzburg style -- Classical style at its apogee: 1780-1800. Years of revolution and change -- Changing status of the musician -- Solo and chamber music -- Preeminence of the symphony and the concerto -- Various faces of musical theater -- Haydn, the acknowledge master. Last years at Esterháza: 1780-90 -- Freedom at last -- Mozart, genius achieved. Last ten years: 1781-91 -- Great works of the final decade -- Beethoven: 1770-1827. Giant astride the centuries -- Entire oeuvre -- Eighteenth-century heritage at work in the early nineteenth century. Post-revolutionary changes in society and the arts -- Business and the institution of music -- Chamber music in the concert hall -- Loss of intimacy: performance triumphant. "The latest volume in the Norton Introduction to Music History series focuses on the rise and decline of the Classical style, which flourished from the middle of the eighteenth century to the second decade of the nineteenth. The author demonstrates the enormous diversity and constant change that characterized music and musical life during this period. Downs eschews the usual stylistic labels, such as Rococo and High Classic, and instead organizes the text into short time spans. Within each, he looks to the social conditions and daily life of the musician, the aesthetics and audience preference in structures, performing combinations, and performing styles. The minor composers, or kleinmeister, are carefully observed, since they most accurately mirror their times. On the other hand, the giants, who left their mark on music for all time, receive full biographical scrutiny at each stage of their development."--BOOK JACKET. "The book begins with the transition from the Baroque up to 1760 and the burgeoning new style that developed in the next two decades. The author then focuses on the early years of Haydn and Mozart before giving full treatment to the last twenty years of the eighteenth century, which saw the Classical style reach its apogee. Downs returns to the mature Haydn and deals with the last decade of Mozart's life, and finally considers Beethoven's musical origins and accomplishments. He concludes by documenting the eighteenth-century heritage at work in the early nineteenth century."--BOOK JACKET. "Copiously illustrated, with abundant music examples, this fascinating survey provides invaluable insights into the period that produced some of the most astonishing music ever written."--Jacket. Colorado Christian University - K Marie Stolba Collection. |
| Physical Description: |
xvi, 697 pages : illustrations ; 25 cm. |
| Bibliography: |
Includes bibliographical references (pages 669-677) and index. |
| ISBN: |
039395191X 9780393951912 |