Style Galant
By the early 1700s, French and Italian composers used the "style gallant" or gallant style; a simple yet more direct style of music. During this time, the aristocrats weren't the only ones who appreciated music, but those in the middle class as well. So composers wanted to create music that was less complicated; easy to understand. The people grew disinterested with themes of ancient myths and instead favored themes they could relate to. This trend transcended not only to music but also to other art forms. Bach's son, Johann Christian, used the gallant style.
Sentimental Style
In Germany a similar style called "sentimental style" or smfindsamer stil were adapted by composers. This style of music reflected feelings and situations experienced in daily life. Largely different from Baroque music which was mostly flamboyant, new music styles during the Classical period had simpler harmony and clearer tonality.
Opera
The type of opera audiences preferred during this period was the comic opera. Also known as light opera, this type of opera often tackles light, not so delicate subject matter where the ending often has a happy resolution. Other forms of this opera are opera buffa and operetta. In this type of opera, the dialogue is often spoken and not sung. An example of this is La serva padrona ("The Maid as Mistress") by Giovanni Battista Pergolesi.
Other Music Forms
Musical Instruments
Musical instruments of the orchestra included a string section and pairs of bassoons, flutes, horns and oboes. The harpsichord was eliminated and was replaced by the pianoforte.
Notable Composers
