Unit XII The Classical Symphony

Unit XII: The Classical Symphony (chaps. 33-35)

LESSON INDEX

Overview

In this unit, we will meet the other two great masters of the Classical style--Haydn and Beethoven (Mozart was introduced in the last unit). We will explore the eighteenth-century orchestra and the development of the symphony in the hands of these composers. In particular, we will hear a delightful, humorous movement from a symphony by Haydn, written for a London audience, and will study an entire symphonyăthe famous Fifthăby Beethoven as an example of this important genre. We will also consider the global and long-lived popularity of Beethoven and his symphonic masterpieces.

Lesson 33. Discovering the nature of the symphony

Lesson 34. Discovering Haydn and the symphony

Lesson 35. Discovering Beethoven and the symphony

Evaluating your knowledge

Listening

Complete the Listening Quiz 11 (18^th-century symphony), grade yourself, and review any questions you missed.

The composers and genres

Test your knowledge of the genres and the masters who created them by completing

Reviewing 11: Chamber Music and Symphony in the Classical Era
Reviewing 12: The Classical Masters

Exploring

The Composer Heard 'Round the World

Read the text of the Cultural Perspective in the Online Tutor, or in the text (pp. 220Ŕ221). The Online Tutor provides an overview, some issues for reflection, and possible projects to complete. It also provides links to some interesting sites that allow you to learn more about the topic. To test what you have learned, complete the questions in the Study Guide, exercise 44.

Assignment

Select a work by Beethoven (either one movement of the Fifth Symphony or another work that you can hear) and listen to it, focusing on those elements that seem "Romantic" to you. Write a short essay describing the specific Romantic aspects of the piece that you hear (consider melody, harmony, tempo, dynamics, form, use of instruments).

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