Classical Music Fun Facts
2025 March Newsletter
Artist Of The Month: Mozart
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (27 January 1756 – 5 December 1791) was a prolific and influential composer of the Classical period. Despite his short life, his rapid pace of composition and proficiency from an early age resulted in more than 800 works representing virtually every Western classical genre of his time. Many of these compositions are acknowledged as pinnacles of the symphonic, concertante, chamber, operatic, and choral repertoires. Mozart is widely regarded as one of the greatest composers in the history of Western music, with his music admired for its "melodic beauty, its formal elegance and its richness of harmony and texture".
Among his most famous pieces are:
• Symphony No. 40 in G minor, K. 550 – Intense and dramatic; instantly recognizable opening.
• Piano Sonata No. 11 in A major, K. 331 – Especially the 3rd movement: "Rondo alla Turca".
• The Magic Flute (Die Zauberflöte) – Especially "Queen of the Night Aria" and "Papageno's Song".
• Clarinet Quintet in A major, K. 581 – Lyrical and warm.
• Requiem Mass in D minor, K. 626 – Unfinished at his death, but hauntingly beautiful; highlights include "Lacrimosa" and "Dies Irae".
Instrument Of The Month: Flute
The flute is a slender, tubular woodwind instrument known for its clear, bright tone. Unlike other woodwinds, it produces sound without a reed—players create music by blowing air across a small hole near one end. The flute has a wide range and is capable of both delicate melodies and rapid, agile runs. Commonly made of metal, it features a series of keys that the player presses to change pitch. Found in classical orchestras, jazz ensembles, and folk traditions around the world, the flute is celebrated for its versatility and expressive voice.
Music Theory Of The Month: 🎵 Scales and Keys
A scale is a sequence of notes ordered by pitch. The most common type is the major scale, which has a bright, happy sound. It follows a specific pattern of whole steps (W) and half steps (H):
W-W-H-W-W-W-H
For example, the C major scale:
C - D - E - F - G - A - B - C
There are no sharps or flats in this scale.
Each major scale defines a key. So if you're in the key of C major, most of the music will revolve around the notes and chords built from that scale, especially the tonic (C), which is the "home" note.
Other common scales include the minor scale, which sounds more sad or serious.
Music History Of The Month:
🎼 March 31, 1732 – Franz Joseph Haydn is born
On March 31, 1732, Joseph Haydn, one of the most influential composers of the Classical era, was born in Rohrau, Austria. Often called the "Father of the Symphony" and "Father of the String Quartet," Haydn shaped the structure and style of classical music as we know it.
He composed over 100 symphonies, 68 string quartets, and numerous piano sonatas and masses. Haydn was also a mentor and friend to Mozart and a teacher to Beethoven, forming a direct link between three of the greatest composers in history.
His wit, innovation, and elegant balance of form and emotion helped define the Classical style, making his birth one of the most meaningful events in March for classical music history.
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2024 November Newsletter
Artist Of The Month: Beethoven
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827) was a German composer and pianist who is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in Western classical music. His compositions bridged the Classical and Romantic eras, pushing the boundaries of musical expression and innovation. Beethoven’s work often reflects his intense personal struggles, especially his battle with hearing loss, which began in his late twenties and eventually led to complete deafness. Despite this, he composed some of the most powerful and enduring works in the classical repertoire.
Among his most famous pieces are:
• Symphony No. 5 – Known for its iconic four-note opening motif, this symphony is a symbol of triumph and resilience.
• Symphony No. 9 (“Ode to Joy”) – Featuring the well-known choral finale, this symphony celebrates universal brotherhood.
• Moonlight Sonata – A beautiful and haunting piano piece that remains a favorite among musicians and listeners.
• Für Elise – A charming piano piece that’s instantly recognizable and beloved worldwide.
• Symphony No. 6 (“Pastoral”) – A celebration of nature, capturing the beauty of the countryside.
Instrument Of The Month: Piano
The piano is a versatile and expressive instrument known for its rich sound and broad range, capable of playing both melody and harmony. Invented in the early 18th century, it combines elements of string and percussion instruments, using felt-covered hammers to strike strings when keys are pressed. Pianos come in two main styles: grand pianos, which offer superior resonance and are often used in concert settings, and upright pianos, which are more compact and popular in homes. With its ability to convey everything from delicate lullabies to powerful concertos, the piano remains one of the most beloved instruments worldwide, central to both classical and contemporary music.
Music Theory Of The Month: Harmony
One key concept in music theory is harmony, which refers to the combination of different musical notes played or sung simultaneously to create a fuller sound. Harmony enriches a melody, adding depth and emotional complexity to music. It is built on chords—specific groupings of notes based on scales and intervals—and follows certain rules about which chords sound pleasing together. For example, in Western music, harmonies often follow a tonal structure, meaning that they are arranged around a “home” chord or key, which creates a sense of resolution when the music returns to it. Learning harmony allows musicians to understand chord progressions and create arrangements that support the main melody, adding mood, tension, and movement. Harmony is fundamental to music composition and deeply influences the listener’s experience, making it a central topic in music theory study.
Music History Of The Month: Birth Of The Classical Music
The birth of classical music is often traced back to the mid-18th century during a period known as the Classical era, roughly spanning 1730 to 1820. This era marked a shift from the complex, layered compositions of the Baroque period to a new focus on clarity, balance, and form. Composers like Haydn, Mozart, and the young Beethoven pioneered this style, crafting music with structured forms such as the symphony, sonata, and concerto. Their work emphasized harmony, melody, and dynamic contrasts, creating music that appealed to a growing public audience. This period laid the groundwork for Western classical music, influencing countless compositions and shaping musical expression for generations to come.
