Describe in detail three key features of the Classical Period (1750-1830)
- Periodic phrasing - the organising of musical ideas into shorter, balanced phrase lengths of typically 2 to 4 measures. The phrases consist of two parts, an antecedent and consequent. The antecedent acts as a 'question', primarily ending on the dominant and giving an 'unfinished' sound. The consequent is the 'answer', ending on the tonic and sounding 'complete'.2) Functional harmony - harmony based upon major and minor keys to create greater stability and structure. In the Classical Period, there was a greater emphasis on the tonic (I) and dominant (V) chords. 3) Homophonic texture - a single-line melody and accompaniment. The accompaniment can be in the form of broken or block chords.
