CPP (Common Practice Period)

Definition

The Common Practice Period refers to a time in music history, roughly spanning from 1600 to 1900, characterized by a standardization of musical language and practices, particularly in harmony, melody, and form. This era saw the development of functional harmony and cadences that defined Western classical music, establishing norms that composers followed to create cohesive and structured compositions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The CPP is crucial for understanding how composers like Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven approached harmony and structure in their works.
2. During the CPP, composers utilized a set of established rules for functional harmony, which helped create predictable yet innovative musical forms.
3. Cadences during this period served not just as endings but also as means to transition between musical ideas, reinforcing the overall structure.
4. The emergence of tonality as a foundational principle during the CPP influenced how future generations of composers approached their music.
5. The CPP laid the groundwork for Romantic music by expanding emotional expression while adhering to the harmonic conventions established earlier.

Review Questions

• How did the principles of functional harmony shape the music created during the Common Practice Period?
  • Functional harmony was essential during the Common Practice Period as it provided a framework for composers to build tension and resolution within their works. The relationships between tonic, dominant, and subdominant chords were used strategically to create movement and emotional impact in compositions. This approach allowed composers to follow established norms while still expressing individuality through innovative harmonic choices.
• In what ways did cadences contribute to the structural integrity of compositions from the Common Practice Period?
  • Cadences played a vital role in establishing structural integrity within compositions from the Common Practice Period by marking points of closure or transition between musical ideas. They provided clear endpoints for phrases, helping to delineate sections of music. Additionally, cadences allowed composers to manipulate expectations and lead listeners through the narrative of their pieces by creating moments of tension before resolution.
• Evaluate how the characteristics of the Common Practice Period influenced later musical styles and genres beyond 1900.
  • The characteristics established during the Common Practice Period had a profound influence on later musical styles and genres by setting foundational principles regarding harmony, form, and melody. Even as composers moved towards more dissonant harmonies and complex structures in the 20th century, many still referenced tonal relationships and cadences rooted in this period. The emphasis on emotional expression initiated during the CPP also paved the way for movements such as Romanticism and Impressionism, as artists sought to push boundaries while respecting traditional frameworks.

Related terms

Functional Harmony: A system of harmony that uses chord progressions and relationships to create tension and resolution within a piece, emphasizing the role of tonic, dominant, and subdominant chords.

Cadence:

A melodic or harmonic configuration that creates a sense of closure or resolution in music, often marking the end of a phrase or section.

Harmonic Progression:

The sequence of chords played in a piece of music, which provides the underlying structure and supports the melody, guiding the listener through the work.