Classical and Romantic Music Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What time period does Classical music refer to?

1800-1900

1750-1825 (correct)

1600-1750

1900-1950

How is Classical music characterized?

by instrumentals, called 'absolute music'

What is absolute music?

music that is not derived from something outside itself

Define thematic development in music.

small scale solution to the problem of having to hold together an instrumental work with no outside references. Signup and view all the answers

What is the sonata cycle?

a structural plan that provided an organizing framework for each movement of a multi-movement work Signup and view all the answers

What is sonata-allegro form?

plan for most first movements Signup and view all the answers

What are the sections of the sonata form?

Development Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the first movement of a sonata?

sonata-allegro, fast tempo Signup and view all the answers

What is the general mood of the second movement in sonatas?

usually more lyrical Signup and view all the answers

Describe the third movement in sonatas.

minuet and trio, meter: 3/4 Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical mood for the fourth movement of a sonata?

lively - 'happy ending', 'triumphal' Signup and view all the answers

What is a rondo in music?

recurring musical idea, alternates with contrasting episodes Signup and view all the answers

What does ABABA represent in musical form?

rondo with one contrasting episode Signup and view all the answers

What does ABACA indicate in musical structure?

rondo with two contrasting ideas Signup and view all the answers

Define classical chamber music.

written for small ensemble (2-10 players) usually one player to a part Signup and view all the answers

What instruments are typically found in a string quartet?

2 violins, viola, cello Signup and view all the answers

What is a duo sonata?

piano and another instrument - violin, cello Signup and view all the answers

What defines classical symphony?

roots in the overture movement to the Baroque opera Signup and view all the answers

What is Beethoven's contribution to symphonies?

expanded dimensions, thematic development, importance of development and coda sections Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a classical concerto?

emphasis on solo: virtuosic solo and orchestra Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Classical Music Overview

Time period: 1750-1825, marking the Classical era in music history.
Characterized by instrumental focus, known as "absolute music," meaning compositions are self-contained.

Musical Concepts

Absolute Music: Independent music not derived from external narratives or themes.
Thematic Development: Techniques include repetition, expansion, fragmentation, and recombination to create variations of a theme.
Sonata Cycle: Framework structuring multi-movement works, prevalent in Classical compositions.

Sonata Form

Sonata-Allegro Form: Structure commonly used in the first movements of sonatas, comprising exposition, development, and recapitulation sections.
Key Structure: Typically follows a 'home, abroad, home' pattern, returning to the original key.
Theme Structure: Involves a statement, development, and restatement.

Movement Characteristics

First Movement: Fast tempo (Allegro), epic and dramatic mood, structured in sonata-allegro form.
Second Movement: Slower tempo, contrasting key, varied forms like A-B-A or theme and variations, generally more lyrical.
Third Movement: Often a minuet and trio in 3/4 meter, varying tempo, typically returns to the first movement's key.
Fourth Movement: Fast tempo (Allegro, Presto, Vivace), lively mood, varied forms like rondo or theme and variations.

Rondo Forms

Rondo ABABA: Features one contrasting episode; an extension of ternary (ABA) form.
Rondo ABACA: Incorporates two contrasting ideas.
Rondo ABACABA: Broader structure that creates an arch-like formation.

Chamber Music

Golden age during Classical era, composed for small ensembles (2-10 players) with equal treatment of instruments.
String Quartet: Comprised of two violins, a viola, and a cello.
Duo Sonata: Typically features a piano paired with another instrument like violin or cello.
Trio: Consists of piano with one other instrument, often violin and cello.
Quintet: Usually includes strings and woodwinds or a string quartet with piano.
Divertimento and Serenade: Genres of lighter, social music blending elements of symphony and chamber music.

Notable Composers

Mozart: Noted for compositions like "Eine Kleine Nachtmusik."
Haydn: Renowned for "String Quartet Opus 76 No. 3, Emperor."
Beethoven: Influential across three stylistic periods; composed 9 symphonies, 32 piano sonatas, concertos, and chamber works.

Beethoven's Contributions

Pioneered the symphony with expanded dimensions, thematic development, and the introduction of the scherzo instead of the traditional minuet.
Significant expansion of orchestral size, incorporating instruments such as clarinet, trombone, piccolo, and double bassoon.
Classical Concerto: Features a virtuosic soloist (often piano or violin) complemented by the orchestra.

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Description

Test your knowledge of classical and romantic music with these flashcards. Dive into definitions and concepts like absolute music and thematic development, crucial for understanding this important musical period. Perfect for music students and enthusiasts alike!