Classical Music: Era of Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven (Norton Introduction to Music History) Book

Demonstrates the diversity and change that characterized the classical style of music tracing the development of musical style between the birth of Haydn and the death of Beethoven. The social conditions and daily lives of the musicians and audience preferences in styles are also examined.

In this, the fourth volume in the Norton Introduction to Music History series, Philip Downs traces the rise and decline of the "Classical" style from the birth of Haydn (1732) to the death of Beethoven (1827).
He demonstrates the enormous diversity and constant change that characterized every aspect of music during this period. By dividing his text into twenty-year spans, Downs is able to trace the development of musical style. Within each span he looks at the social conditions and daily life of the musician, and the aesthetics and audience preferences in structures, performing combinations and styles. The lesser composers, or Kleinmeister, are observed, since they are the most accurate mirrors of their times. Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven receive full biographical scrutiny at each stage of their development. Copious music examples and abundant illustrations are also provided.