MUSIC IN THE CLASSICAL ERA

Music in the Classical Era

How important was the patronage provided by aristocrats and wealthy individuals for the music of the Classical era (c. 1750 to 1827 in the Austro-Germanic tradition) and the development of genres such as the string quartet in particular?

The Classical Era (1750 to 1827)

The Classical period ranging from the mid eighteenth century to the early nineteenth century is also popularly known as the “Age of Enlightenment” and has been defined as a time when the masses realised their natural right to social and political choice or rather an option to gain control of their lives. However, the ruling class which were the aristocrats and the wealthy still enjoyed uninterrupted power by way of hereditary and self proclaimed divine right. Excessive in breeding ensured that all monarchs of Europe were interconnected, the German Monarchs ruled England, French and Spanish had Italy etc. Enlightenment and awareness therefore abounded, albeit slowly as even high placed officials of art and philosophy travelled far. The Monarchs popularly patronised art, letters, music and presided over social reform (BCB, 2013, pp 1).

Nonetheless, even though the ruling class tried to support their subjects in such matters, they retained and fully enjoyed the benefits of their social power and position. Such hypocrisy led to the Freemason movement which enabled famous poets like Schiller and composers like Beethoven and Mozart to be involved in the contribution towards equality, knowledge and liberty. However, aristocratic patronage seemed to diminish towards late eighteenth century and control of the social arts and political thought fell into the hands on the 'common society.' This brought about the development or rather simplification of music, simple forms and melodies like the sonatas. Opulent instruments were cast away in favour of simpler instruments like the piano which quickly became the primary choice for composers (BCB, 2013, pp 2).

Importance of Patronage provided by the Aristocrats and the Wealthy

The Classical era also came to be known as the Age of Reason when the philosophers adopted and spread liberal rights and thought for all the society with aristocratic patronage, spreading bourgeois thought and revolution. However, the very foundation of their teachings contradicted the role of the wealthy and the aristocratic in controlling the nations and societies. Nonetheless, the aristocracy followed the patronage system staunchly and this gave the court musicians and composers very little standing and rights within the courts. The 'court composer' was still primarily responsible for providing music for the patron aristocrat, from religious to dance and choral to chamber. Majority of the courts in Germany, France and Austro-Hungary had a permanent staff of musicians who delivered small orchestras and choirs when needed, however, they were more or less servants, often tasked with serving the guests and entertaining them as well. Nevertheless, such patronage allowed the musicians and composers to fully pursue their passion for music, as well as empowering them to adapt to the social and political change, the beginning of the bourgeois thought, and integrate it into their ...