Image via Wikipedia (Text in LARGE print for classroom projection) CLASSICAL ERA 1750-1820 Classical: Dealing with Roman and Greek Antiquity The Age of Enlightenment (1720-1790) The belief in reason and progress. An age where the middle class raged against the extravagance of the aristocracy and the hypocrisy of religious leaders. A push to end the privileges of the upper class and instead ensure fairness for the struggling middle class. Freedom from spiritual darkness and oppression. Critical thinking and the bettering of the mind. A turn away from the extravagant opulence of the Baroque Period . Ideals of democracy and independence took hold. The American and French Revolutions turned monarchies on their heads. Music played an important role in the Age of Enlightenment. It was considered an integral and important part of a nation's culture. It helped unify troops, spread ideals of democracy, and rejoice in military victory. Operas had plots that mocked the aristocracy and songs...