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Music in the Classical period was significantly different from the music of the Baroque period. It has a directness of expression through clear melodic phrases that are supported by clear cadences. Its textures also became much less complex and clearer. This was a reaction against the complicated polyphonic music of the Baroque era.

Features of Classical period music

The most common identities were:

• less complex melodies
• balanced phrases
• mainly homophonic texture
• more variety and contrast
• wider range of dynamics
• harpsichord replaced by the piano
• elegant and graceful melodies

The string quartet

The string quartet became very popular in the Classical period and all of the main composers, including Mozart, wrote music for such an ensemble.

A string quartet is made up of two violins, viola and cello.

• two violins - high pitched and plays in the treble clef range
• a cello - has range notated for bass clef
• a viola - pitched in the alto clef

The structure of a string quartet

Music written for a string quartet in the Classical period would follow this order of movements.

1. A fast movement, indicated with an allegro tempo marking and usually in sonata form.
2. A slow movement often in ternary form or theme and variations.
3. A moderate dance movement often a minuet and trio
4. A fast movement either in sonata form or rondo form