Classical Era Music Exam Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What are the years of the Classical Era?

1750-1825

What were the characteristics of classical-era music? (Select all that apply)

Simple, tuneful melodies (correct)

Multiple moods (correct)

Terraced dynamics used exclusively

Basso continuo still utilized

What is the instrumentation of a classical orchestra?

Strings, woodwinds in pairs, brass in pairs, 2 timpani

What is the instrumentation of a string quartet?

2 violins, 1 viola, 1 cello Signup and view all the answers

What is a symphony?

4 movement work for orchestra Signup and view all the answers

What is a string quartet?

4 movement work for string quartet (2 violins, viola, cello) Signup and view all the answers

Match the movements of a symphony and string quartet with their properties:

1 = Fast tempo (such as allegro) 2 = Slow tempo 3 = Moderate tempo 4 = Fast tempo Form = Sonata, Theme & Variations, Minuet and Trio, Rondo or Sonata Signup and view all the answers

What happens in the Exposition of sonata form?

Theme 1 in home key, Transition & modulation, Theme 2 in secondary key, Closing theme Signup and view all the answers

What is Development in sonata form?

Themes reworked & developed, modulations Signup and view all the answers

What is Recapitulation in sonata form?

Re-statement of exposition in home key Signup and view all the answers

What is a coda?

Concluding passage that is not part of the form Signup and view all the answers

Describe Theme & Variations form.

Melody presented then repeated with alterations Signup and view all the answers

In what meter is the Minuet & Trio form?

Triple meter Signup and view all the answers

What did Beethoven replace the Minuet & Trio with?

Scherzo & Trio Signup and view all the answers

How is Rondo form identified?

Main theme alternates with contrasting material called episodes Signup and view all the answers

What is a classical concerto and how many movements does it contain?

Soloist + orchestra, 3 movements: fast, slow, fast Signup and view all the answers

What is the first-movement concerto form?

Double-exposition concerto form Signup and view all the answers

What was intended for '_______' performance?

At-home performance Signup and view all the answers

What is a sonata (musical work)?

At-home performance for 1-2 instruments, 3 movements Signup and view all the answers

What are some details about Ludwig van Beethoven's life and innovations?

German pianist/composer, deaf, added new instruments to the orchestra Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Classical Era Overview

Duration: 1750-1825

Characteristics of Classical-Era Music

Simple, tuneful melodies, often inspired by folk tunes
End of the basso continuo practice
Music expresses multiple moods rather than a single emotion
Gradual dynamics (crescendos and decrescendos) are common; terraced dynamics become less fashionable

Instrumentation

Classical orchestra typically includes:
- Strings: violins, violas, cellos, double basses
- Woodwinds: flutes, oboes, clarinets, bassoons (in pairs)
- Brass: French horns, trumpets (in pairs)
- Timpani: 2
A string quartet consists of:
- 2 violins, 1 viola, 1 cello

Forms of Composition

Symphony: 4-movement structure for orchestra
String quartet: 4-movement structure for 2 violins, viola, and cello

Movements in Symphony and String Quartet

Movement types:
- Fast (allegro)
- Slow
- Moderate
- Fast
Forms used in movements:
- Sonata
- Theme & Variations
- Minuet and Trio
- Rondo

Sonata Form

Exposition:
- Theme 1 in the home key
- Transition and modulation to Theme 2 in a secondary key
- Closing theme
Development:
- Themes reworked and harmonically developed
Recapitulation:
- Restatement of the exposition in the home key

Coda

Concludes the piece but is not part of the main form

Theme & Variations Form

Original melody followed by altered repetitions (A, A', A'', A''')
Variations change through countermelody, harmony, rhythm, dynamics, and timbre

Minuet & Trio Form

Appears in 3rd movement, structured as:
- Ternary form (Minuet, Trio, Minuet)
- Written in triple meter

Rondo Form

Main theme alternates with contrasting episodes
Examples of structure:
- 5-part rondo: A B A C A
- 7-part rondo: A B A C A B A

Classical Concerto

Features a soloist accompanied by an orchestra
Composed of 3 movements:
- Fast (1st movement in concerto form)
- Slow (ternary or alternative form)
- Fast (rondo)

First-Movement Concerto Form

Also known as "Double-exposition concerto form"
Structure includes:
- Orchestra plays exposition
- Soloist plays exposition
- Development and recapitulation with a cadenza at the end

Purpose of Music

Intended for "at-home performance," catering to amateurs

Sonata as a Musical Work

Typically composed for 1-2 instruments
Usually consists of 3 movements:
- First and second movements are often in sonata form
- Third movement typically follows rondo form

Ludwig van Beethoven

German pianist and composer known for innovations
Deafness developed during adulthood
Expanded the orchestra by adding instruments (e.g., piccolo, trombone)
Introduced a 5th movement in symphonies
Replaced the traditional minuet & trio with a scherzo & trio

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Description

Test your knowledge of the Classical era in music with these flashcards. Learn about the defining years, characteristics of melodies, and the evolution of musical dynamics during this pivotal period in music history.