Bluffer's Guide to Classical Music 3

Part 3: The Classical Period

The Classical Period in music stretched from about 1750 to 1820. It’s generally less fussy than Baroque music but a bit more sophisticated in terms of harmony.
Two composers completely dominate this era: Franz Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791).

Haydn was an innovator. It’s arguable that he invented the symphony and string quartet as we know them today. He certainly popularised them, writing over one hundred symphonies and dozens of string quartets, many of which are still regularly performed.

For a good idea of what made Haydn great, have a listen to the ‘Lamentation’ Symphony, Number 26 - one of his so-called ‘Sturm and Drang’ (storm and stress) pieces. The rhythmic drive of the first movement is startling. I like a cheap recording on Naxos with Nicholas Ward and the Northern Chamber Orchestra.

You really should own some of Haydn’s string quartets, too. Anything from the Opus 76 series is a must have. You may recognise the ‘Emperor’ quartet (Opus 76 Number 3) as the German national anthem. Again, I’d pick a cheapo Naxos disc played by the Kodaly Quartet.

Mozart was not an innovator. He just happened to do everything better than anyone else, ever. Outrageously talented, Mozart may well be the most gifted musician who has ever lived. Bastard.

Mozart is one of those composers whose music you’re liable to know. Even if the title Eine Kleine Nachtmusik means nothing, I bet you can sing it. Another one you’d be able to sing is the 40th Symphony. God help you if you don’t have a recording of it. Immediately go out and buy the budget priced two CD set with Jeffrey Tate conducting the English Chamber Orchestra on EMI. This also includes recordings of Mozart’s 36th , 38th and 41st symphonies. And don’t tell anyone you didn’t already own it.

Mozart was such a master of so many genres, though, that to stop with a few symphonies seems a bit churlish. For the famous Requiem, unfinished at his death, see John Eliot Gardiner on Philips. And if you’re starting out on opera, I do recommend The Marriage of Figaro. OK, the plot’s ridiculous but it’s opera, what do you expect? For a fine, inexpensive recording, see another budget double CD on EMI conducted by Gui. It’s old (recorded in the 1950s) but still marvellous.

Bluffer’s Guide Extra…

If you like Haydn and Mozart, try Joseph Martin Kraus, especially his C Minor Symphony. Terribly underrated and if you close your eyes it could almost be Haydn himself. Yet again, go for the Naxos recording, a bargain at around $15.

By Richard Betts

Thanks to Megan Johnson of Thread for the Support

Source: Thread, New Zealand's Fashion Culture Magazine