The Classical period

Classical Period         Getting it's name from art history, the classic period in music extends from 1740 to 1810 and includes the music of Haydn, Mozart, the first period of Beethoven, and Bach's sons. The classical period of music coordinated harmony, melody, rhythm, and orchestration more effectively then earlier periods of music.         During the classical era the social function of music began to change from earlier aristocratic and religious connections toward more public and secular activities associated with …

…or obscuring either soloist or orchestra has never been surpassed.'         To match the larger forms and more complex requirements of classic music, the late 18th-century orchestra gained both in size and variety of personnel. Composers increasingly employed pairs of woodwinds, now including clarinets as well as flutes., oboes, and bassoons. Large court orchestras, such as those in Vienna and Munich, numbered more then 50, but Haydn's orchestra at Esterház in 1783 consisted of only 24 players.