Instrumental music 1700 to 1820

J.S. Bach came from a family of successful musicians and was one of the most prominent composers of the Baroque period, writing six concertos for the noblemen of Brandenburg. Bach took on the work in the hope for employment, but the concertos took a lot longer than expected.

Ludwig van Beethoven and the piano were two of the most exciting new qualities of music in the 18th century and both are showcased in his Sonata Op.13 No.8 in C minor, Pathétique, first movement.

Franz Joseph Haydn composed Symphony No.101 in 1793 during the Classical period. It is likely that the symphony was nicknamed ‘The Clock’ because of the continuous quavers in the second movement.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart composed Eine Kleine Nachtmusik in 1787 during the Classical period. It has typical music features from this time, including the minuet and trio form.