Classical        1750 - 1800

Lucid, logical and symmetrical  - balance

A return to simplicity  graceful and refined.

Rise of the instrumental musician

Height of the the enlightenment

Music moved from the aristocracy to the public

Haydn 1732-1809, Mozart 1756-1791, Beethoven 1770 -1827

Commedia dell'Arte (Italy - 14th to 18th century)

It flourished in the 16th and 17th centuries.  It was improvised drama.  The plot, characters, scenes and their outcomes were all worked out (scenario or canvas).  The performers improvised the dialogue.  They had to be both actor and playwright.

The plots were about disgraceful love intrigues, trick to get money, outwitting someone, stolen children, plotting maids, aging fathers etc.  The comic relief character was the "lazzi" who juggled, pantomimed, did acrobatic feats or wrestling.    The actors wore masks.

Basic characters were:

Pantalone - merchant rich,

Gratiano - lawyer, doctor, astrologer

Captain - bragging, boasting, swashbuckling officer usually Spanish, cap, hat, high boots, told extraordinary tales.

Servant maid

Harlequin - servant maid's lover

Zanni - scoundrelly valet or jester