Classical can be a confusing word. It refers to a period of time and to a style of composition. In addition, all serious music by great composers is called classical music.

Classical period - the 1750 to 1820 musical period. Notice that Forte has a stern expression. This is the Age of Reason, sometimes called the Enlightenment. There are many rules to follow. Reason is more important then emotion.

Classical style - the style of music in the Classical Period.

Classical music - refers to music that is more complex and lasts longer than popular music. It is not just music from the Classical period. It includes music from four different periods: Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Modern. Each period has its own musical style. Music, art, and literature reflect the period in which they are produced.

The Classical Period was a time of change in ideas and feelings. Americans won their independence from England, and the social order in France was overthrown. In art, nusic, and literature, the people wanted to return to the simple beauties of nature and to clear thinking instead of fantasy. They were tired of the ornate Baroque style. There are very few prominent composers in the Classical Period.

Music in the Classical Period was written for the rich upper classes, the aristocracy, rather than for the church. The nobleman wanted to hear music that was more reserved, controlled, elegant, and tuneful than the Baroque style. There were rules about the form of the music and how the themes were to be developed. Rather than having themes interwoven, the soprano line (the highest-pitched melody) dominated the composition.

Classical Period music featured contrast. The dynamics shifted frequently between piano and forte. One finds wide-ranging melodies with wide spaces between the bass and soprano. There is contrast in mood even within a movement. This is very different from the Baroque Period music, which was based on the idea of unity by repeating a motive or a fugue subject over a long harmonic plan with fewer dynamic contrasts or wide register spaces.

The Classical sonata form was the mold for the Classical music. Written in two, three or four movements, it was a perfect vehicle for contrasts and surprises.