The Classical Period

Getting it's name from art history, the classic period in music extends from 1740 to 1810 and includes the music of Haydn, Mozart, the first period of Beethoven, and Bach's sons. The classical period of music coordinated harmony, melody, rhythm, and orchestration more effectively then earlier periods of music.
During the classical era the social function of music began to change from earlier aristocratic and religious connections toward more public and secular activities associated with the middle class. …