- Classical Era (approximately 1750-1830):
- Emphasis on balance, clarity, and form.
- Use of sonata-allegro form, minuets, and rondos.
- Focus on instrumental music, especially symphonies, concertos, and sonatas.
- Modern Era (generally considered to begin around the late 19th century):
- Greater diversity and experimentation in musical styles.
- Emergence of new genres, including impressionism, expressionism, jazz, and minimalism.
- More complex harmonic structures and use of atonality and polytonality.
- Increased use of electronic instruments and technology.
2. Instrumentation:
- Classical Era:
- Primarily used traditional classical instruments such as violin, viola, cello, double bass, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, trumpet, and horn.
- Smaller orchestras with a focus on clarity of sound.
- Modern Era:
- Expansion of the orchestra with the addition of new instruments, including the saxophone, harp, tuba, and various percussion instruments.
- Larger orchestras with a wider range of timbres and dynamics.
3. Role of the Composer:
- Classical Era:
- Composers were often employed by wealthy patrons or worked within courtly settings.
- They followed established musical conventions and styles.
- Modern Era:
- Composers gained more artistic freedom and independence.
- Emphasis on individual expression and innovation.
- Greater experimentation with new musical forms and techniques.
4. Relationship with Audience:
- Classical Era:
- Music was primarily performed in salons, churches, and royal courts.
- Audiences were typically aristocratic or upper-class.
- Music was seen as a refined form of entertainment.
- Modern Era:
- Music became more accessible to the general public through the development of concert halls, recordings, and radio broadcasts.
- Wider range of audience from different socioeconomic backgrounds.
- Music became more diverse, reflecting the tastes and cultures of a broader population.
5. Technological Advancements:
- Classical Era:
- Limited access to technology.
- Music was primarily performed live or written down on sheet music.
- Modern Era:
- Rapid technological advancements, such as the invention of recording devices, electronic instruments, and computers.
- These technologies have influenced composition, performance, and distribution of music.