Editing Classical period (music) (section)

== Main characteristics ==
{{More citations needed|section|date=November 2021}}
In the classical period, the [[subject (music)|theme]] consists of [[phrase (music theory)|phrase]]s with contrasting melodic figures and [[rhythm]]s. These phrases are relatively brief, typically four bars in length, and can occasionally seem sparse or terse. The texture is mainly [[Homophony|homophonic]],<ref name=Blume /> with a clear melody above a subordinate chordal [[accompaniment]], for instance an [[Alberti bass]]. This contrasts with the practice in [[Baroque music]], where a piece or movement would typically have only one musical subject, which would then be worked out in a number of voices according to the principles of [[counterpoint]], while maintaining a consistent rhythm or metre throughout. As a result, Classical music tends to have a lighter, clearer texture than the Baroque. The classical style draws on the ''[[Galant music|style galant]]'', a musical style which emphasized light elegance in place of the Baroque's dignified seriousness and impressive grandeur.

Structurally, Classical music generally has a clear [[musical form]], with a well-defined contrast between [[tonic (music)|tonic]] and [[dominant (music)|dominant]]{{citation needed|date=November 2022}}, introduced by clear [[Cadence (music)|cadences]]. [[dynamics (music)|Dynamics]] are used to highlight the structural characteristics of the piece. In particular, [[sonata form]] and its variants were developed during the early classical period and was frequently used. The Classical approach to structure again contrasts with the Baroque, where a composition would normally move between tonic and dominant and back again,{{citation needed|date=November 2022}} but through a continual progress of chord changes and without a sense of "arrival" at the new key. While counterpoint was less emphasised in the classical period, it was by no means forgotten, especially later in the period, and composers still used counterpoint in "serious" works such as symphonies and string quartets, as well as religious pieces, such as Masses.

The classical musical style was supported by technical developments in instruments. The widespread adoption of [[equal temperament]] made classical musical structure possible, by ensuring that cadences in all keys sounded similar. The [[fortepiano]] and then the [[pianoforte]] replaced the [[harpsichord]], enabling more dynamic contrast and more sustained melodies. Over the Classical period, keyboard instruments became richer, more sonorous and more powerful.

The orchestra increased in size and range, and became more standardised. The [[harpsichord]] or [[pipe organ]] [[basso continuo]] role in orchestra fell out of use between 1750 and 1775, leaving the string section. [[Woodwind]]s became a self-contained section, consisting of [[clarinet]]s, [[oboe]]s, [[flute]]s and [[bassoon]]s.

While vocal music such as [[comic opera]] was popular, great importance was given to instrumental music. The main kinds of instrumental music were the [[sonata]], [[Trio (music)|trio]], [[string quartet]], [[quintet]], [[symphony]], [[concerto]] (usually for a virtuoso solo instrument accompanied by orchestra), and light pieces such as [[serenade]]s and [[divertimento]]s. [[Sonata form]] developed and became the most important form. It was used to build up the first movement of most large-scale works in [[symphony|symphonies]] and [[string quartet]]s. Sonata form was also used in other movements and in single, standalone pieces such as [[overture]]s.