Classic music era falls between 1730 and 1820 or more likely it is from 16th century to the 19th century. Romantic music era started in the late 18th century or especially in early 19th century. The exact century has yet not been found. Mozart and Beethoven are great composers of classical and romantic music with their own individual styles. Although most part of Beethoven’s music is considered in, the classical tradition of Mozart but his style is different from classical in many ways. Now, he evolved as a bridge between both classical and romantic music eras.
The most important difference between classical and romantic music era is in attitudes towards the rules of rhythm, harmony, melody, tuning, and harmonic progression. Each of the mentioned factor is responsible to differentiate two unique art and music forms. Mozart and Beethoven kept writing different symphonies, sonatas, operas, and forms for both classical and romantic music. Mozart is widely known composer of classical music era and his music is an image of the intellectual and artistic ideals of his time. Form of the music was essential which provide boundaries and order. Music was viewed as an abstract art. It was seen as universal in its attraction and beauty. In many ways, classical music represents the attitudes of the educated and magnificence of the enlightenment era. In classical music, emotions remain within acceptable boundaries though it may seem sad or happy. It is above all the imperfections and pettinesses of everyday life .
Unlike classical music era, composers of romantic era like Beethoven in his later music felt free to break the rules for form, harmony, and melody. It was an honorable goal to break through the boundaries. Music was personal deeply and sometimes seen as nationalistic. It was no longer universal. The personal sufferings and success of the composer is easily viewed in his music. It places a higher value on emotions rather than on beauty. Romantic music was wildly joyous and fervent and not just simply happy or sad. It could be terrified or covered with deep longings. Music of romantic era tried to describe music as evoking specific people, places and ideas. Therefore, with this Programme music (the idea or story), classical music, and its rules became less important.
Beethoven work on his early musical composition in the shadow of Mozart that were classical in nature. He studied under Mozart for short period. Mozart’s musical composition was revolving around intellectual, artistic, and abstract art. At this point of Beethoven’s life, his talent for piano was recognized and his musical compositions of this period mainly consist of work for his piano. Pathetique Sonata is an example of a piece composed by him. Later, he suffers from hearing loss and abandons the classical music. He took a new way to the romantic music that was deeply personal and joyous.
Mozart’s musical composition was the source of inspiration for Beethoven. His work mainly consists of composing operas for classical music. His work has powerful effect on his own personal music language. The character in the Mozart’s ‘The Magic Flute’ is an example of this. No doubt, the in-depth knowledge and intimacy of Beethoven with the characters of Mozart’s ‘The Magic Flute’ had provided him with a suitable substitute in his personal life.
Works Cited
Admin. Mozart, Mozart's Magic Flute and Beethoven. n.d. Web. 9 June 2014. <http://raptusassociation.org/beethmoze.html>.
Schmidt-Jones, Catherine. The Music of the Romantic Era. UK: Creative Commons, 2013. Online.
