During the classical period, attending a musical performance was a very common form of entertainment. To help us relate to the audience of the classical period, let’s compare attending a concert to a very popular form of entertainment today….. For this week’s essay, tell me how a Symphony Orchestra is similar to a baseball team! You may compare any component of the two including experience, the team or the individuals. Be as creative as you wish!  You may want to review the article found here The Classical Style of Music Identify at least 8 similarities in essay form. Please include your conclusions and opinions on this topic. 

 The Classical Style of Music The classical style of music was characterized by the following qualities: ¢ Variety and contrast of mood became common within one movement! ¢ Mood could change gradually or suddenly. A work could convey sadness and then happiness immediately. ¢ Homophonic music became the norm. ¢ There could be unexpected pauses or syncopation. ¢ The melodies (overall) were very “tuneful” and easy to remember. ¢ There were gradual dynamic changes. ¢ The harpsichord is replaced by the piano. With the piano, gradual dynamic changes become possible. ¢ Basso continuo and figured bass were abandoned. ¢ Composers used the individual tone colors of the instruments more than they did during the Baroque. The classical orchestra was made up of a standard group of instruments: ¢ Strings: 1st and 2nd violins, violas, cellos, basses ¢ Woodwinds: 2 flutes, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons ¢ Brass: 2 French horns, 2 trumpets ¢ Percussion: timpani The above list was the standard grouping during the classical, whereas in the baroque period, the orchestra might change for each piece.