The great object of Gluck's life was thoroughly attained. He made himself felt in every branch of operatic performance. He improved the method, arrangement, and especially its dramatic power. He made it a drama, and its music classical.
This word classical, as applied to music, I am sure many of our young people do not fully understand. To define it completely would be difficult, but I will try and give you some idea of what it means.
Strictly speaking, then, classical music is that which is written according to rule and law: with an intention of producing the most complete harmonies. Bach, Handel, Haydn, Mozart, Gluck, and countless other composers wrote strictly classical music, although Gluck was not remarkable for his counterpoint.
Counterpoint is the "art of combining melodies." The name had a very natural origin. In old times, when notes were designated by little points or pricks, and several of these were joined together to produce a harmony, it was called "point against point," or counterpoint. If the rules of counterpoint are strictly observed, the piece is said to be composed "in perfect counterpoint."
Sometimes you will find a fragment of simple old music with various parts added. This would be "adding counterpoint to a subject."
Handel, when Gluck went to him first, said "he knew no more of counterpoint than his cook," but the master of modern opera had many other strong points, and the music of Orpheus and of Iphigenia will endure while there are hearts to listen.
[HURRAH! FOUR KINGS!]
