Choose a composer.
Using your best detective skills, you must find out all that you can about a Classical composer of your choice. Then you'll report on whether or not he truly uses Classical style in his music.
First, you must choose a composer who lived during the Classical era. Choose from the list below, or find a different Classical composer. (You may not investigate Haydn, Beethoven, or Mozart.)
Antonio Salieri
Luigi Boccherini
Luigi Cherubini
William Billings
Johann Christian Bach
2. Investigate the composer.
Find out as much as you can about the composer. Read about his life and his music. You'll at least want to know:
birth/death dates
country where he was born and/or lived
influence on Classical music and/or other composers
musical style, forms, or pieces he's known for
listening samples of his music (at least two)
3. Analyze the music.
As you investigate, you should especially be concerned with his music. Listen to the two pieces you chose. Then, answer these questions to help you decide if he's a "good" Classical composer that follows the rules of Classical music writing.
Does he write in the established Classical forms?
Is his music simple, orderly, and balanced?
Does he follow typical Classical style elements in the melody, harmony, tonality, rhythm, and expression he uses?
Does he follow the music trends of the day (like instrumental over vocal or secular over sacred)?