Classical Period Music Topics for Discussion

Classical Period Music Topics for Discussion

1. Social views and patterns are portrayed in music. How did the middle-class of the Enlightenment play into the context of music and its performance? How did it contribute to the technical qualities of the music?
2. The theme and variations form was used in many compositions of the Classical period. In what ways could a theme be varied?
3. Was Mozart a successful composer during his lifetime? Why or why not? What types of things did he do to earn a living?
4. What are the differences between the Classical period and the body of music called classical music?
5. What are the similarities and differences between a sonata and sonata-allegro form?
6. What are the similarities between the Baroque and Classical periods? What are the differences?
7. What are two innovations of the Age of Enlightenment that had an effect on the music of the time? What was the effect of each innovation?
8. What changes occurred in the Classical orchestra as compared to the Baroque orchestra? 
9. What is sonata-allegro form? How does it affect the music of the Classical period?
10. What is the internal sectional development of the term symphony?
11. Which instrument became a favorite of the Classical period? Why?
12. Who are two important composers of the Classical period? What are some of their contributions to the development of music during this period?