Around the mid-eighteenth century, emphasis on absolute monarchy waned and began to give way to a different type of ruler. There was more of an emphasis on cosmopolitan life, or equality of different European cultures. Foreign-born kings were the norm. German kings were in England, Sweden and Poland, as were French dukes in Italy. Part of this acceptance of foreign rule came about because of an intellectual movement known as the enlightenment.

The enlightenment was a philosophy that stressed equality and common sense. People became more concerned with sociological implications, as opposed to religious beliefs. Equality, liberalism, a lack of formality and freedom of the individual were common ideas among rulers and citizens alike in the mid to late 1700's.

The impact of the enlightenment had far-reaching effects to colonial America. The Declaration of Independence and the Federalist Papers were born out of enlightenment ideals. "Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" certainly finds its origins in this philosophy. The enlightenment began in England with Locke and Hume and made its way to France with Montesquieu and Voltaire and, later, Rousseu.

Vienna

Many of the key developments in the music and art of the classical period (1750-1820) occurred in Vienna, Austria. The political climate of the city attracted the arts and, in the late eighteenth-century, Vienna was considered the music capitol of the world.

Emperor Joseph II, who ruled the Austrian capitol, believed strongly in the enlightenment. He attempted to put an end to peasantry, furthered education and diminished the power of the clergy. In the then moderate-sized city of Vienna, Joseph encouraged a free press, allowing over 300 newspapers to be published. Coffeehouses were established for the first time (before this, coffee was used for medicinal purposes), offering a place for people to discuss their opinions (a far cry form the obligatory Starbucks!).

That's Entertainment

Living a good fulfilling life was a priority in the late eighteenth century and music was a part of that fulfillment. Public concerts were established with ticket sales and, because of the emancipation of peasantry, a more public audience was in attendance (This was also a good opportunity for composers to make money). Much of the music composed during this time by Mozart, Haydn and, later, Beethoven was intended for public concerts.

Music shifted its emphasis from being a vehicle for flattery and support of the monarchy (as in the Baroque age) to being an established form of public entertainment. As a result, the music had a clearer, simpler style that could be followed by the audience. Established forms of music were the norm. Sonata, rondo and theme and variations were used repeatedly so audience members could follow the music as it was being performed (much like a Hollywood movie today. If the film is a 'romantic comedy', you know the main character will "get the girl" in the end). Operas had more contemporary, light hearted, comedic librettos that were intended to be publicly performed.

The Symphony and other genres

One of the most common genres of music that was performed at public concerts was the symphony, a piece of music for orchestra in four sections. Most symphonies would follow a plan much like the one listed below:

Other genres were standardized, such as the string quartet, an extended piece for two violins, viola and cello, that follows the same plan listed above. Operas were comic and in Italian (opera buffa).

Some Other Musical Considerations

Rhythm was metrical as in the baroque but possessed a lighter beat with more variety. Dynamics markings (mf, p, pp, etc.) were written into musical scores for the first time. Sudden bursts of soft to loud (p to ff), crescendos and decrescendos were common, offering more variety and suspense to the entertainment. New woodwind instruments, such as the clarinet, were added to the orchestra, offering a wider range of tone color (timbre) for composers.

Response question: Listen to the classical sound clips and explain, in your own words, how this music illustrates the enlightenment philosophy and/or the classical emphasis on music as entertainment. Are these pieces easier to follow when compared to the baroque sound clips?