Questions and Answers
Which kind of harmony did Classical period composers prefer?
Which classical ideal defined melody in the classical period?
Balance in shape
How many movements did Haydn's modern classical symphony have?
Four
What is the form for a classical symphony?
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What are the three main parts of sonata form?
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What eighteenth-century piece is meant as light entertainment?
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During a cadenza, what would the orchestra do while the soloist was displaying his or her virtuosic skills?
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What is one way that Haydn creates variation in the theme for his 'Surprise' Symphony?
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Which music form was the last work Mozart composed in his lifetime?
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What form are the other movements of Mozart's Symphony No. 40, with the exception of the third movement?
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Which symphony is considered Beethoven's final masterpiece and the first to include a chorus and a soloist?
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What famous pianist did Beethoven have in mind when he wrote the Pathetique Sonata?
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In contrast to composers who relied on patronage, what did composers like Beethoven depend on to make a living?
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What are the four main sections of an orchestra?
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Which answer lists the orchestras according to their size, from smallest to largest?
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Why do modern composers combine instruments in new and different ways?
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Which musical parameter describes the speed at which a piece of music should be played?
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What does the tempo 'largo' mean?
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What does 'decrescendo' tell a performer to do?
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What articulation marking is under the first chord in the example?
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Study Notes
Harmony in Classical Music
- Classical period composers favored tonic-dominant-tonic harmony (I - V - I).
Melodic Ideals
- Balance in shape characterized melody during the classical period.
Haydn's Symphonic Structure
- Haydn's modern classical symphony is comprised of four movements.
Classical Symphony Form
- The standard form of a classical symphony includes:
- Sonata
- Slower movement
- Minuet or scherzo
- Rondo or sonata
Sonata Form Components
- Sonata form contains three main sections:
- Exposition
- Development
- Recapitulation/Coda
Light Entertainment in Music
- The divertimento served as a light entertainment piece in the eighteenth century.
Cadenza Features
- During a cadenza, the orchestra halts while the soloist performs an extended solo.
Theme Variation by Haydn
- Haydn creates variation in his "surprise" symphony by altering dynamics.
Mozart's Last Composition
- The last work Mozart completed was the Requiem.
Mozart's Symphony No. 40 Movements
- With the exception of the minuet, other movements in Mozart's Symphony No. 40 are structured in sonata form.
Beethoven's Final Symphony
- Symphony No. 9 is Beethoven's final masterpiece, notable for being the first symphony to incorporate a chorus and soloist.
Pathetique Sonata Inspiration
- Beethoven wrote the Pathetique Sonata with himself as the intended pianist in mind.
Composers' Financial Support
- Unlike those under the patronage system, Beethoven and similar composers relied on musical commissions, patrons, and Freemasons for income.
Orchestra Composition
- The four main sections of an orchestra are:
- Woodwinds
- Strings
- Brass
- Percussion
Orchestra Size Progression
- Orchestras are categorized by size from smallest to largest as follows:
- Baroque
- Classical
- Modern
- Romantic
Modern Compositional Techniques
- Contemporary composers innovate by combining instruments in novel ways to enhance tone color.
Music Tempo
- Tempo defines the speed at which a musical piece should be played.
Meaning of Largo
- The term "largo" indicates a tempo that is very slow.
Decrescendo Instruction
- A decrescendo instructs the performer to gradually soften the volume.
Articulation Marking
- Staccato is the articulation marking indicated under the first chord of the example listed.
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Description
Test your knowledge of Classical music concepts with this flashcard quiz. This unit focuses on key characteristics of the Classical period, including harmony, melody, symphonic structure, and Haydn's contributions. Perfect for music students and enthusiasts alike!
