Abstract
This paper looks at the details which characterize the musical romantic and classical periods. It begins with a look at the classical styles and its composers, and then moves to address the romantic style and its composers. It concludes that distinct differences in purpose, emotion, form, function and fusion of musical genres are apparent in the two.

From the Paper
"Classical music ranged from about 1750 to 1820, at which point Romantic music became the current style, which itself lasted until around the year 1900. As one inevitably lead into the other, their characteristics perhaps can be best described when they are fully compared to one another. The classical style, as exemplified by its composers, was more fixated on form, design, balance and grace, while romantic style instead aimed at fusing together musical genres to capture the true, expressive spirit of the work, as likewise captured by the composers of this era. The classical period aimed backwards in history, attempting to recreate the classical period of the past in Grecian and Roman terms. Classical music, like many other periods, had variations of its styles. Beginning as a courtly style, which most likely was a remnant of the previous baroque period, it was intended to please the ..."

Tags:romantic, classical, periods

From the Paper
"During his career, Handel composed more than forty operas. Most of these operas show elements of Baroque music, such as the use of dance rhythms and elaborate melodic lines. Although he was born in Germany and lived most of his life in England, Handel's operas often follow the conventions of the Italian opera seria. Perhaps Handel's greatest contribution to the field of opera was his ability to convey emotions through melody. In this regard, he often used the opera seria convention of the da capo aria form to great effect.


George Frideric Handel was born in Halle, Germany, in 1685. His first two operas, Almira and Nero, were produced in Hamburg when he was less than twenty years old. In 1706, Handel traveled to Rome, where he learned about the Italian style of composing operas. During a visit to England in 1711, Handel produced..."

Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to introduce, discuss, and analyze the topic of the piano in history. Specifically, the paper discusses the three-hundred-year history of the piano. The piano is a fascinating instrument with a long history that includes many transformations. Today, the piano is still one of the most popular instruments for composers and musicians alike.

Contents
Introduction
The History of the Piano
The History and Construction of the Piano
Small Pianos in Europe and America, 1770-1795
Curators Who Keep Scores

From the Paper
"The piano is one of our most popular instruments, and it enjoys a long and varied history. The piano we know and play today is far different from the first pianos, which resembled organs with pipes, and even stringed instruments. As one author writes, "To some the piano is merely a piece of furniture, to others it is a musical instrument. But this amazing machine is much more than just a large, wooden object: it is an intricate mechanical device designed to produce a vast range of musical tones" (Crombie). It seems the very first keyboard instruments were types of organs found as far back as Egypt in the second century B.C. (Wier 1). Initially, the keys were plucked, as on a harp or a harpsichord, and later, the keys were struck with a hammer or mallet, such as today's dulcimer."

Tags:music, instrument, classical, bach, organ, pipe, wind

Abstract
This paper first talks about Mozart's childhood and adolescent years as a composer and then talks about his compositions during his adult years. The paper discusses Mozart's influence, his technique, his style, and his genius. Several of Mozart's works are cited and described, and the qualities that make them masterpieces are explained.

From the Paper
"Born in Salzburg, Austria, on January 27, 1756, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was the son of Leopold Mozart, the second Kapellmeister at the court of the Archbishop. From his earliest childhood, Mozart revealed the most extraordinary musical powers and for a number of years, beginning when he was six years old, Mozart appeared throughout Europe, inspiring awe and adoration wherever he went. His first four violin sonatas were published in Paris when he was eight; his first symphonies were performed in London when he was nine; his first two comic operas were completed when he was twelve, and at the age of fourteen, Mozart wrote on commission his first opera seria, produced in Milan in 1770 during his first tour of Italy."

Tags:germany, music, operas, concertos, symphonies, magic, flute, larghetto, piano, violins

Abstract
Analysis of Antonio Vivaldi's solo concerto "Primavera" Op. 8, No. 1 ("Spring"). The first of the 4 concertos that make up The Four Seasons, a programmatic piece. Discusses the ideas of the poem. Discusses interpretations. Details each movement and its motifs.

From the Paper
"Antonio Vivaldi's Primavera, or Spring (Op. 8 no. 1) was the first of the set of concertos entitled Le quattro stagioni (Op. 8 nos. 1-4) published in Il cimento dell'armonia e dell'inventione at Amsterdam in 1725 (although the date of their composition is uncertain). The Primavera is a solo concerto scored for Violino principale, two other violins (ripieno), violas, violoncellos and double basses with continuo (usually played on harpsichord). The four concertos provide an example of programmatic music, illustrating four simple poems addressed to the seasons which may have been written, or at least adapted, by Vivaldi himself.
In the poem to Spring, in rough outline, the goddess is welcomed by the singing of birds and the breath of Zephyrs which makes the brooks murmur. Thunder and lightning, one of her signs, arrive and darken the sky. The storm is soon over and the..."

Abstract
This paper analyzes Mozart's Concerto for Violin & Orchestra No. 3 in G Major, K. 216, Movement I - Allegro. By using time codes to help the reader identify major changes in tempo, soloists and recapitulation, one can listen along to the movement and have a better understanding of Mozart's genius when writing his concertos.

From the Paper
"Mozart's Concerto No. 3 is in three movements. It was written in 1775 and the main theme played by the orchestra at the beginning of the first movement (Allegro) was borrowed from his Il re pastore ("The Shepherd King") (Lieberman, par. 2). The movement is set in the conventional sonata form with orchestral ritornellos alternating with the exposition, development, and recapitulation of the primary themes by the violin. The soloist gives a second exposition and the coda does not come until after an extended solo cadenza."

Tags:216, allegro, concerto, major, mozart, music, classical

From the Paper
"He is widely recognized as one of the greatest composers in history and is also known for being a child genius in music. Who is this man? "Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. His name can often be found in the same category as Beethoven or Haydn, other musical genius", but Mozart is even above and beyond these talents and in a category all his own; Through his musician father's strict teaching and touring Mozart was able to expand his talent in music. Mozart was the only composer in musical history to write in all the musical genres of his day and excel in every one. Mozart was able to contribute many magnificent compositions before his death in 1791. "

Tags:composer, music, musician, mozart, classical

From the Paper
"Ludwig van Beethoven is a well known composer who lived during the transition from Classicism to Romanticism. He inherited from the Classical period certain musical styles which were well cultivated, but, because of outside circumstances and the force of his genius, he changed this heritage and became the source of much that was characteristic of the Romantic period. Beethoven's music tends to follow his life experience. His work is customarily divided into three periods, each reflecting distinctive levels in his artistic development.

Most of the music from Beethoven's first period is similar to the music of the mature Franz Joseph Haydn and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, which was identified by a preoccupation with ... "

Tags:MUSIC: CLASSICAL

Abstract
This six-page undergraduate paper offers a detailed analysis of Ludwig von Beethoven's Ninth Symphony in D Minor. An introduction and historical background to the work are included, and the symphony is placed within a broad cultural, philosophical, and historical framework. The paper concludes with a technical analysis, and some personal thoughts regarding the work. .

Abstract
This paper compares and contrasts two masterpieces of classical music: "Mass in B Minor" by Johann Sebastian Bach and "Symphony Number Five" by Dimitri Shostakovich. The paper relates that, although both the aforementioned works share the accolades assigned to that of a masterpiece, they represent two very different periods in the history of classical music. As such, following an initial analysis of each piece independently, the author evaluates the historical issues that arise while comparing and contrasting the two works.

From the Paper
"Bach's Mass in B Minor is a traditional baroque work in many respects; however it also represents an example of early classical music. At the time it would have been performed by a small orchestra and SATB chorus. In addition, there would have been far less diversity in the number of varying instruments used compared with today. Orchestras of the mid eighteenth century would have primarily had a fairly strong string section, possibly accompanied by organ, oboes and trumpets. Although much of the work dates back to as early as 1724, it was not completed in its present entirety until 1749, a year before Bach's death. It is difficult to accurately determine whether the B Minor Mass was written with a specific occasion in mind."

Tags:court, patronage, lutheran, orchestras, authoritarian