History Case Study: Music

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History Case Study
Musicologists and classical music enthusiasts think of composers such as J.S. Bach, Igor Stravinsky, Ludwig van Beethoven or Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. When classical music is mentioned. The classical period is a specific era of music that falls between the Baroque and the Romantic periods spanning much of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. This places the classical period between 1750 -1830, while the romantic period starts immediately after; 1830 – 1900. The romantic period was loosely titled the Modern Period of music. However, it still allowed the social conventions of the classical period to flourish. Some of the great names of romantic music are Hector Berlioz and Giuseppe Verdi. This case study will focus on the life of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Giuseppe Verdi to provide perspective on the social conventions and music of the classical and romantic periods.
The mid 18th century was a period of transition for Central Europe after the division of the Holy Roman Empire into small semi-self-governing remnants. This was a period of rivalries between the principalities in their quest to find their identity and recognition. Small cities such as Salzburg, Vienna, and Prague were governed by aristocrats who used their wealth to commission artists, poets, and musicians for amusement and entertainment. This created a thriving cultural and musical heaven, and not long after, Salzburg would produce one of the most talented and prodigious musical composers of all time.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born on January 27, 1756, as the sole surviving survivor of the son of Leopold and Maria Pertl Mozart. His father, Leopold, was a successful composer, violinist, and assistant concertmaster at the Salzburg court, which played a huge role in Mozart’s musical mastery. Touring was also crucial to the development of Wolfgang as he was exposed to different cultures at age six. He often accompanied his father and sister in courts across Paris, London, The Hague, and Zurich, performing as child prodigiesCITATION Bib17 \l 1033 (Bibliography).
Changes of the 18th century were transformative in every aspect of society, from music, social attitudes, and architecture. Music of the classical period reflected the characteristics of the baroque but also rejected it too. The idea of classicism sought to emulate perfection and classical antiquity, with Greece spearheading this change. The music also changed into cleaner versions and styles with a distinct division between parts. Melodies were precise and accompanied...