Western classical tradition 1650 to 1910

Baroque (about 1600 to 1750)

• Composers: Bach, Handel and Vivaldi.
• Features: a harpsichord and a basso continuo (a bass line with chords filled in), ornamentation, terraced dynamics, and polyphonic textures.
• Forms include the concerto grosso and the solo concerto, where a soloist contrasts with the orchestra, often in three movements (fast, slow, fast).

Classical (about 1750 to 1820)

• Composers: Haydn, Mozart and early Beethoven.
• Features: balanced, question-and-answer phrases, mostly homophonic textures, the Alberti bass (a broken-chord accompaniment), clear cadences, and the piano replacing the harpsichord.
• The symphony and sonata form became important; the orchestra grew, with clarinets added.
• Dynamics use crescendos and diminuendos rather than only terraced changes.

Romantic (about 1820 to 1910)

• Composers: Chopin, Schumann, Brahms, Tchaikovsky, Verdi and Fauré.
• Features: expressive melodies, chromatic harmony, rubato, wide dynamics, and larger orchestras with more brass and percussion.
• Piano music (such as Chopin's nocturnes and études) and programme music (music that tells a story) became popular.

The AQA strands

• The strands are the Baroque solo concerto; the orchestral music of Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven; the piano music of Chopin and Schumann; and the Requiem of the late Romantic period (such as Fauré's). Check AQA's current study pieces.

Key terms

Basso continuo

A bass line with chords filled in, used in Baroque music.

Harpsichord

A keyboard instrument whose strings are plucked.

Alberti bass

A broken-chord accompaniment in the left hand.

Concerto

A piece for soloist and orchestra.

Symphony

A large piece for orchestra, usually in four movements.

Programme music

Music that tells a story or describes a scene.

Requiem

A setting of the Mass for the dead.