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"Passions, whether violent or not, must never be expressed in such a way as to disgust, and [music] must never offend the ear." —W. A. MOZART

Key Points

  • The masters of the Classical musical style (Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert—all members of the Viennese school), composed large-scale musical forms (symphony, concerto, sonata).
  • Classical music is characterized by a singable, lyrical melody; diatonic harmony; regular rhythms and meters; homophonic texture; and frequent use of folk elements.
  • Music-making centered around the court, with composers (especially Haydn) employed under the patronage system. Women also held court positions as musicians and as teachers.

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