Music: Classical Period (1730 - 1820)

The years of the Classical Period saw many changes in the world.  The French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars changed the face of Europe.  During the Classical period it became more and more possible for the public to enjoy and participate in leisure activities. Thus, in the music world, the patronage system of the Baroque began to die out and was replaced by the first public concerts where people paid to attend.

Instead of the sudden changes in style and trills of Baroque music, the music of the Classical period tended to be simple, balanced, and non-emotional. Music had straightforward titles like "Symphony No. 1" instead of flowery descriptive titles. Known as absolute music, classical works were written for their own sake, not for dancing or any other special occasion. It was performed in the recital or concert hall.

Instrumental music was more important than vocal music during the Classical period. More and more instruments were added to the orchestra, including the flute, clarinet, oboe, and bassoon.

Three instrumental forms were developed: the concerto, the symphony, and the sonata. The concerto of the Baroque period evolved into the popular Classical concerto. The soloist was featured as the rest of the orchestra provided accompaniment. Concertos were written for all the instruments in the classical orchestra.

The most important classical composers were Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Franz Joseph Haydn, and Ludwig van Beethoven.  Vienna was the musical center of Europe, and most serious composers spent part of their lives there.