key term - Common Practice Period (CPP)

Definition

The Common Practice Period (CPP) refers to a significant era in Western music history, roughly spanning from 1600 to 1900, where composers adhered to certain stylistic norms and practices in harmony, melody, and form. This period is characterized by the establishment of tonal music, diatonic harmony, and functional harmony, all of which became foundational in Western classical music. The CPP is essential for understanding the evolution of musical language that led to later developments in the 20th century.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Common Practice Period laid the groundwork for the development of classical forms such as sonata-allegro, rondo, and variations.
2. Composers like Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven are pivotal figures from this period, each contributing to its stylistic conventions.
3. Harmonic practices during the CPP included the use of predominant-dominant-tonic resolutions and circle-of-fifths progressions.
4. The use of ornamentation and figured bass was prevalent, showcasing the performance practices that defined this era.
5. The transition from the CPP into modern music saw significant changes with the advent of atonality and new compositional techniques in the 20th century.

Review Questions

• How did the stylistic norms established during the Common Practice Period influence later musical developments?
  • The stylistic norms of the Common Practice Period established foundational principles in melody, harmony, and form that greatly influenced later developments in Western music. These principles helped shape genres and styles that emerged after 1900, such as Romanticism and Impressionism. Additionally, the emphasis on functional harmony laid groundwork for exploring new harmonic languages while still referencing traditional practices.
• In what ways did composers like Bach and Mozart contribute to the evolution of tonal harmony during the Common Practice Period?
  • Bach and Mozart significantly advanced tonal harmony through their innovative use of chord progressions, voice leading, and structural forms. Bach’s complex counterpoint and use of sequences set new standards for harmonic richness, while Mozart’s clear melodies and elegant forms exemplified functional harmony. Their works not only reflected but also shaped the expectations of harmony that would dominate Western music for centuries.
• Evaluate how the characteristics of the Common Practice Period set the stage for the eventual shift toward modern music in the 20th century.
  • The characteristics of the Common Practice Period provided a robust foundation for music theory and composition that influenced 20th-century innovations. As composers began to explore atonality and different approaches to form and structure, they did so in reaction to the conventions established during the CPP. This transition showcased a departure from established norms while still acknowledging their importance; thus, even radical changes were rooted in an understanding of tonal practices that defined Western music up until that point.

Related terms

Tonal Harmony:

A system of harmony based on the hierarchy of chords centered around a tonic, which creates tension and resolution within a piece of music.

Functional Harmony: A concept in music theory that describes how chords function within a tonal framework, emphasizing their roles in creating tension and resolution.

Counterpoint:

The art of combining distinct melodic lines in a musical composition, which was a prominent feature during the CPP.