I. Introduction: 1. The musical language of the late eighteenth century ; 2. Theories of form ; 3. The origins of the style -- II. The classical style: 1. The coherence of the musical language ; 2. Structure and ornament -- III. Haydn from 1770 to the death of Mozart: 1. String quartet ; 2. Symphony -- IV. Serious opera -- V. Mozart: 1. The concerto ; 2. String quartet ; 3. Comic opera -- VI. Haydn after the death of Mozart: 1. The popular style ; 2. Piano trio ; 3. Church music -- VII. Beethoven: 1. Beethoven ; 2. Beethoven's later years and the conventions of his childhood ; 3. Epilogue