In the 17-19 centuries in the culture of European states, the pretentious and contradictory Baroque style was replaced by strict rationalistic classicism. Its basic principles are aimed at creating ideal, clear, logically completed and harmonious works of art. Classicism in music has introduced new trends related to the content and form of works. During this period , genres such as sonata, symphony and opera reached perfection in the work of composers.
The real revolution in musical art was the reform of K. Gluck, proclaiming three basic requirements for compositions: truth, naturalness and simplicity. In an effort to more easily convey to the viewer the meaning of dramatic works, he removes all unnecessary “effects” from the score: decorations, tremolo, trills. In this case, the main emphasis is on the disclosure of the poetic image of the composition, awareness of the inner experiences of the protagonist. Classicism in music is most colorful in K. Gluck’s opera Orpheus and Eurydice. This work, written in accordance with new ideas, marked the beginning of the reform described above.
Classicism in music reached its peak in the second half of the 18th century. During this period in Vienna, composers Joseph Haydn, Ludwig Van Beethoven and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart created their great masterpieces.
They devote the main attention in their work to the symphonic genre. Joseph Haydn is rightfully considered the father of instrumental classical music and the founder of the orchestra. It was he who determined the basic laws by which the development of the symphony should be built, established the arrangement of the sections, gave them a finished look and found the ideal form for embodying the deep content of the works of this genre - four-part. Classicism in music has established a new type of three-part sonata. Compositions written in this form acquired noble subtle simplicity, lightness, vivacity, earthly joy and enthusiasm.
Sonata-symphonic works are further developed in the work of V.A. Mozart. This famous and beloved musician in Vienna, based on Haydn's achievements, wrote a number of operas of great value for modern culture: The Magic Flute, Don Giovanni, Figaro's Wedding and others.
The music of the era of classicism was also reflected in the work of the
great composer L.V. Beethoven - the greatest symphonist of the era. His large-scale works, formed under the influence of revolutionary events of this period, are permeated with the pathos of struggle, drama and great heroism. They seem to be facing all of humanity. Ludwig Van Beethoven is the creator of a number of symphonic overtures (Coriolanus, Egmont), thirty-two piano sonatas, five piano and orchestra concerts and other large-scale works. In his writings, he portrays a brave and passionate hero, thinker and fighter, who is characterized by dramatic pathetics, while at the same time lyrical daydreaming is not alien. The music of classicism in Beethoven's work completed its development, remaining for the next generations the ideal of harmony and rational rigor.