Classical

The Classical era, dated 1750 until 1820, is a bit ambiguous as traits began to appear in music before 1750 and continued well after 1820.  Choral genres transformed much slower than instrumental forms during this time.  Music was overall lighter and more homophonic in texture with clear musical forms.  Expressions were now directly related to tempi and tempi changes.  Orchestras took precedence and instruments often outnumbered singers two to one.2