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)
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?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a symphony?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a string quartet?
Signup and view all the answers
Match the movements of a symphony and string quartet with their properties:
Signup and view all the answers
What happens in the Exposition of sonata form?
Signup and view all the answers
What is Development in sonata form?
Signup and view all the answers
What is Recapitulation in sonata form?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a coda?
Signup and view all the answers
Describe Theme & Variations form.
Signup and view all the answers
In what meter is the Minuet & Trio form?
Signup and view all the answers
What did Beethoven replace the Minuet & Trio with?
Signup and view all the answers
How is Rondo form identified?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a classical concerto and how many movements does it contain?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the first-movement concerto form?
Signup and view all the answers
What was intended for '_______' performance?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a sonata (musical work)?
Signup and view all the answers
What are some details about Ludwig van Beethoven's life and innovations?
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
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
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.