Department of Education

9
MUSIC
Quarter 2, Wk.1 - Module 1
Music of the Classical Period
(Vocal & Instrumental)

Self-Learning Module (SLM)

Written by: Eugenio C. Dialino Jr., MAPEH Coordinator, Llorente National High School
1|Page
 Lesson
VOCAL & INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
1 (Quarter 2, Wk. 1-Module 1)

What I Need to Know

This module was designed and written with you in mind. It is here to help you learn the
historical and cultural background of the classical era; the Musical Elements of the period.
During this time, there were significant changes in musical forms and style distinguishing the
music from those of the previous era.

After going through this module, you are expected to:

1. Describe the musical elements of the given Classical period pieces. (MU9CL-IIa-f-1)

What I Know

Multiple Choice: Identify the term being described. Write the letter that corresponds to your
answer on the space provided.

____1. It is called the “Age of Reason”

a. Medieval b. Renaissance c. Baroque d. Classical

____2. The term for “Italian Opera”

a. Opera b. Comic Opera c. Opera Buffa d. Opera Seria

____3. A section of the Sonata allegro where the themes were introduced
a. Exposition b. Development c. Recapitulation d. theme

____4. The general texture of Classical music

a. Monophonic b. Homophonic c. Heterophony d. Polyphonic

____5. The term for “Serious Opera”

a. Opera b. Comic Opera c. Opera Buffa d. Opera Seria

____6. It repeats the themes as they emerged in the opening exposition

a. Exposition b. Development c. Recapitulation d. Sonata

7-10 Choose your answer from the given choice below. Write your answer on the space
provided. a. Sonata b. Symphony c. Concerto d. Sonata Allegro-Form
____7. A musical work with different movements for an instrumental soloist and orchestra.
____8. A musical composition designed to be played by the full orchestra.
____9. It is a multi-movement work for solo instrument.
___10. The most important from that was developed during the Classical era and usually the
form of the first movement of a sonata or symphony.

Written by: Eugenio C. Dialino Jr., MAPEH Coordinator, Llorente National High School
2|Page
 What’s In
1. List down all the musical terms you are familiar with.
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
2. What do you know about Classical era?
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

What’s New

Nowadays, people listen to current and new musical genres such as pop, rock, R & B,
and other 20th century music and are unaware of the music of the past. Let us listen to
some selected music of the Classical Period.

Suggested listening resources:

Go to https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIF4Rltg51YvXjGepvlBwkQ
Or search You tube channel playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?
list=PLbm62N5CbzlH3zzeaSm7ls7NsQN_H2l1b

What Is It

The Classical era is also called “Age of Reason” the period from 1750-1820. The
cultural life was dominated by the aristocracy, as patrons of musicians and artists generally
influenced the arts. Significant changes in musical forms and styles were made.
Classical music has a lighter, clearer texture than Baroque music and is less
complex. It is mainly homophonic, using a clear melody line over a subordinate chordal
accompaniment, but counterpoint was by no means forgotten, especially later in period.
Sonata, concerto and symphony are the instrumental forms developed during this era
while the Opera Seria and Opera Buffa are the two vocal forms.

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
Sonata – a multi-movement work for solo instrument. Sonata came from the word Sonare
which means “to make sound”. The term is applied to a variety of works for a solo
instrument such as keyboard or violin.
1st movement: Allegro –fast movement
2nd movement: Andante – slow movement
3rd movement: Minuet – moderate or fast tempo in three-four time

Written by: Eugenio C. Dialino Jr., MAPEH Coordinator, Llorente National High School
3|Page
 Sonata Allegro Form
The most important form that developed during the classical era consists of 3 distinct
sections: Exposition, Development and Recapitulation

1. Exposition – the first part of a composition in Sonata form that introduces the
theme.

2. Development - is the middle part of the sonata-allegro from wherein themes are
being developed.

3. Recapitulation – repeats the theme as they emerged in the opening exposition.

Concerto – is a multi-movement work designed for an instrumental soloist and orchestra. It

is a classical form of music intended primarily to emphasize the individuality of the solo
instrument and to exhibit the virtuosity and interpretative abilities of the performer.
1st movement: Fast – Sonata-Allegro Form with the expositions of the orchestra and
soloist
2nd movement: Slow – has more ornamentation than the first movement
3rd movement: Fast – Finale, usually in Rondo form

Symphony – a multi-movement work for orchestra, the symphony is derived from the word
sinfonia which literally means “a harmonious sounding together”.
1st movement: Fast: Sonata Allegro-form
2nd movement: Slow: Gentle, lyrical
3rd movement: Medium/Fast: Uses a dance form (Minuet or scherzo)
4th movement: Fast: Typically Rondo or Sonata Form

As the 18th century progressed, instrumental music was patronized primarily by nobility which
led to the rise of public taste for “Comic Opera”. The music was mostly of simple yet pleasant
character, while the singing was highly flexible and sensitive and could freely express
emotion through melody.

Written by: Eugenio C. Dialino Jr., MAPEH Coordinator, Llorente National High School
4|Page
VOCAL MUSIC
Classical Opera
Opera is a drama set to music where singers and musicians perform in a theatrical
setting. The two distinct styles of opera were:
1. Opera Seria (Serious Opera) – usually implies heroic or tragic drama that
employs mythological characters, which was inherited from the Baroque period.
Example: “Idomeneo” by Mozart
2. Opera Buffa (Comic Opera) – from Italy made use of everyday characters and
situations, and typically employed spoken dialogues, lengthy arias asn was
spiced with sight gags, naughty humor and social satire.
Example: Marriage of Figaro, Don Giovanni and Magic Flute by Mozart

What’s More
Listening Activity: Listen to the following classical music pieces and answer the following
questions that follows:
Link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbm62N5CbzlH3zzeaSm7ls7NsQN_H2l1b
Suggested Listening/viewing resources:
 Queen of the Night (an aria from the “Magic Flute”)
 Excerpt from “Don Giovani”
 Sonata no. 16 in C Major K545 by Mozart
 Surprise Symphony by Haydn

Process Questions:
1. Which of the musical pieces above are instrumental forms?
___________________________________________________________________
2. Which of the musical pieces are vocal forms?
___________________________________________________________________
3. Is this music familiar to you? Describe each musical piece.
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

Written by: Eugenio C. Dialino Jr., MAPEH Coordinator, Llorente National High School
5|Page
 What I Have Learned

Based on what you learned in this module, fill in the words and/or phrases to complete
the following statements. Choose your answer from the words on the box below.
1. A period also known as “Age of Reason” is called ______________________.
2. Music of the Classical era is usually associated with the ___________________.
3. The musical texture of Classical era is usually ___________________________.
4. A musical form intended primarily to emphasize the individuality of solo instrument
and to exhibit the virtuosity of the performer. ____________________________.
5. A classical music for the whole orchestra in four movements
____________________.

Symphony Concerto Classical Baroque Nobility Homophonic

What I Can Do
Name that Tune! I Can Relate to It!
1. Name Filipino classic song/music which are related to the Classical era.
2. Describe each sample of Filipino classical songs/music.
3. Each Correct answer is equivalent to 1 point. Pinned your answer on the box below.
Title of Song/Music Description

SUMMARY
At the end of this module, you must have the knowledge of the following concept:
Classical music refers to the period of 1750-1820. It is also known as the “age of
reason” or Age of enlightenment” because reason and individualism rather than tradition
were emphasized in this period.
During this period, different instrumental forms were developed. These were sonata,
concerto and symphony. And the vocal forms include Opera Seria and Opera Buffa which
are kinds of Classical Opera.

Written by: Eugenio C. Dialino Jr., MAPEH Coordinator, Llorente National High School
6|Page
 ASSESSMENT: POST TEST

Multiple Choice: Identify the term being described. Write the letter that corresponds to your
answer on the space provided.

____1. It is called the “Age of Reason”

b. Medieval b. Renaissance c. Baroque d. Classical

____2. The term for “Italian Opera”

b. Opera b. Comic Opera c. Opera Buffa d. Opera Seria

____3. A section of the Sonata allegro where the themes were introduced
b. Exposition b. Development c. Recapitulation d. theme

____4. The general texture of Classical music

b. Monophonic b. Homophonic c. Heterophony d. Polyphonic

____5. The term for “Serious Opera”

b. Opera b. Comic Opera c. Opera Buffa d. Opera Seria

____6. It repeats the themes as they emerged in the opening exposition

b. Exposition b. Development c. Recapitulation d. Sonata

7-10 Choose your answer from the given choice below. Write your answer on the space
provided. b. Sonata b. Symphony c. Concerto d. Sonata Allegro-Form
____7. A musical work with different movements for an instrumental soloist and orchestra.
____8. A musical composition designed to be played by the full orchestra.
____9. It is a multi-movement work for solo instrument.
___10. The most important from that was developed during the Classical era and usually the
form of the first movement of a sonata or symphony.

Additional Activities
Let’s Compare!

Direction: Identify the distinct characteristics of Classical era from the previous era
discussed. Write your answer inside the box.

Written by: Eugenio C. Dialino Jr., MAPEH Coordinator, Llorente National High School
7|Page
 KEY TO ANSWERS Assessment/Post-Test
1) D
2) C
3) A
4) B
5) D
6) C
7) C
8) B
9) A
10) D

Additional Activities
 Classical music has a lighter, clearer texture
than Baroque music and is less complex.
 Usually homophonic
 Has clear melody line over a subordinate
chordal accompaniment

What I Can Do
1. Katuwaan by Sylvia La Torre – a joy to listen and plain to hear.
2. Ikaw Ang Ligaya Ko by Ric Manrique Jr. – reminded of a time your parents must now
be nostalgic about.
3. Bituine Marikit by Celeste Legaspi – dark, very dark and features Cayabyab’s
beautiful piano accompaniment
4. Ang Pipit by Mabuhay Singers – singing in fast or slow numbers
5. Tunay na Tunay by Ruben Tagalog – a contemporary kundiman and highly
expressive

What’s More What I Have Learned

1. Sonata no. 16 in C Major K545 by Mozart 1. Classical
2. Nobility
Surprise Symphony by Haydn
3. Homophonic
2. Queen of the Night (an aria from the “Magic Flute”) 4. Concerto
5. Symphony
Excerpt from “Don Giovani”
3. Sonata no. 16 in C Major K545 by Mozart – fairly
famous piano sonata, motivic & with What I Know
often
1. D
recapitulation of the first subject.
2. C
Surprise Symphony by Haydn – is lively fun and full 3. A
4. B
of quirks.
5. D
Queen of the Night (an aria from the “Magic Flute”) 6. C
7. C
– sung in coloratura soprano
8. B
Excerpt from “Don Giovani” – a breathtaking 9. A
10. D High School
Written by: Eugenio C. Dialino Jr., MAPEH Coordinator, Llorente National
overture filled with sexual heat and thrilling music.
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