Classical Music And The Social Contract Please Respond To The Follow ✓ Solved

"Classical Music and the Social Contract" Please respond to the following, using sources under the Explore heading as the basis of your response: · Listen to one (1) composition (for a symphony) by Haydn or Mozart. Identify the work that you have chosen, and describe the way in which the composition expresses the specific qualities of the Classical music style. Use the key terms from the textbook that are related to that particular music style. · In one (1) or two (2) sentences, describe the manner in which the social contract was formed according to Enlightenment thinking. Explain the ways in which the belief in the social contract can instigate or undermine a revolution. Provide one (1) example to support your explanation.

EXPLORE RESOURCES: Classical Music · Chapter 25 (pp. ), classical style described; examples · Haydn at and · Mozart at and The Social Contract · Chapter 25 (pp. ); Chapter 26 (p. 846); Chapter 24 (pp. , ), social contract in Enlightenment theory and ideals · Social Contract theory -- three (3) key versions during the Enlightenment at · John Locke on the social contract at

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Classical Music and the Social Contract


Composition Analysis: Symphony No. 94 in G Major, "Surprise" by Joseph Haydn
I have chosen to analyze Joseph Haydn's Symphony No. 94 in G Major, commonly known as the "Surprise Symphony," composed in 1791. This piece exemplifies the qualities of the Classical music style through its structure, texture, and thematic development, which are hallmarks of the era.
Haydn’s "Surprise Symphony" is notable for its use of a four-movement structure, a defining characteristic of Classical symphonies. The movements are organized in a clear format: the first movement is an Allegro that introduces the main theme, characterized by a homophonic texture that features a clear melody supported by harmonic accompaniment. The second movement, Andante, contrasts with the first by offering a more subdued motif, which is where the "surprise" comes—an unexpected forte chord interrupts the otherwise gentle atmosphere, showcasing Haydn's clever orchestration and playful interaction with expectations (Kerman, 2018).
Key terms from the Classical style such as "balance," "clarity," "harmony," and "form" can be identified throughout the work. Haydn demonstrates balance through the contrast of dynamics and thematic development, while clarity is evident in the clear harmonic progressions and structured phrases. Harmony is skillfully employed, moving between the tonic (G major) and dominant (D major) in a way that emphasizes key transitions essential to the Classical style (Griffiths, 2001). The form, specifically the sonata-allegro form in the first movement, illustrates the importance of thematic development and exposition in Classical compositions, allowing for a narrative progression that keeps the audience engaged.
The texture within the "Surprise Symphony" is predominantly homophonic, as melodies are often led by strings while woodwinds and brass provide harmonic support, reflecting the Classical era's preference for less contrapuntal complexity compared to Baroque music. This simplicity aids in emotional expression and allows the audience to connect with the music on a deeper level (Baker, 2016).
In summary, Haydn's "Surprise Symphony" is a brilliant illustration of the Classical music style. Through its structured form, dynamic contrasts, and thematic development, it encapsulates the essence of the Classical period and illustrates the sophisticated interplay of harmony and melody that defined this revolutionary era in Western music.
The Enlightenment and the Social Contract
The social contract was a theoretical construct that arose during the Enlightenment, proposing that governments derive their authority from the consent of the governed. Thinkers such as John Locke, Thomas Hobbes, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau shaped this concept, each presenting variations in their understanding of human nature and society. Locke’s version emphasized natural rights and the belief that government must protect life, liberty, and property; if a government fails to do so, the people have the right to revolt (Locke, 1690).
The social contract can instigate or undermine a revolution based on its interpretation and the relationship between the governed and the governing. When citizens perceive their government as violating the terms of the social contract—failing to uphold rights or representing the will of the people—the justification for revolution emerges. Conversely, a strong belief in the social contract can also undermine revolutions by promoting an expectation for reform rather than rebellion; individuals may pursue gradual changes within the framework of existing governance instead of resorting to violence. A historical example of this tension can be found in the American Revolution (1775-1783). Colonists revolted against British rule, claiming that the government had breached the social contract by imposing taxes without representation and infringing upon their rights (Middlekauff, 2005).

Conclusion


In conclusion, Haydn's "Surprise Symphony" not only exemplifies Classical music's essential qualities through its structural and harmonic characteristics, but it also serves as a reminder of the interconnected nature of art and social philosophy. The Enlightenment's social contract theory continues to resonate, illustrating how the belief in individual rights and societal contracts has the power to ignite revolutions or to encourage civic participation toward reform. The interplay between music and social thought exemplifies the rich tapestry of human experience that continues to define our cultural legacies.

References


1. Baker, D. (2016). Classical Music: A New History. New York: Simon & Schuster.
2. Griffiths, P. (2001). The Penguin Companion to Classical Music. London: Penguin Books.
3. Kerman, J. (2018). Listen. New York: W.W. Norton & Company.
4. Locke, J. (1690). Two Treatises of Government. London: Awnsham Churchill.
5. Middlekauff, R. (2005). The Glorious Cause: The American Revolution, 1763-1789. New York: Oxford University Press.
6. Rousseau, J.-J. (1762). The Social Contract, or Principles of Political Right. Geneva: Marc-Michel Rey.
7. Rosen, C. (1997). The Classical Style: Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven. New York: Vintage Books.
8. Taruskin, R. (2005). The Oxford History of Western Music, Volume 2: The Eighteenth Century. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
9. Van Der Merwe, P. (1989). Origins of the Popular Style: The Antecedents of Music in the Nineteenth Century. New York: Oxford University Press.
10. Walser, R. (1993). Running with the Devil: Power, Gender, and Madness in Heavy Metal Music. Hanover: Wesleyan University Press.