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Questions and Answers
What was the main function of the brass section in a Classical orchestra?
What was the main function of the brass section in a Classical orchestra?
support the main harmonies
What are the two descriptions applicable to most Classical music?
What are the two descriptions applicable to most Classical music?
full of 'natural' simplicity and pleasing variety
What is a general typical of the Rococo style?
What is a general typical of the Rococo style?
divertimento
What is the predominant texture of Classical music?
What is the predominant texture of Classical music?
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Compared to Baroque composers, Classical composers employed a delicate and unobtrusive sort of polyphony in their music.
Compared to Baroque composers, Classical composers employed a delicate and unobtrusive sort of polyphony in their music.
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The Classical style emerged in the ____________ century.
The Classical style emerged in the ____________ century.
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What was the result of the new sociology and economy of music in the mid-eighteenth century?
What was the result of the new sociology and economy of music in the mid-eighteenth century?
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In the Classical orchestra, how were the woodwind and brass instruments characterized?
In the Classical orchestra, how were the woodwind and brass instruments characterized?
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What did Rousseau desire in terms of music in opera?
What did Rousseau desire in terms of music in opera?
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What was the eighteenth-century salon?
What was the eighteenth-century salon?
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What new literary genre of the eighteenth century can be compared to opera buffa?
What new literary genre of the eighteenth century can be compared to opera buffa?
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Opera buffa refers to __________ opera.
Opera buffa refers to __________ opera.
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What did the rise of public concerts in the eighteenth century boost the composition of?
What did the rise of public concerts in the eighteenth century boost the composition of?
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Which new institution supported the development of orchestral music in the eighteenth century?
Which new institution supported the development of orchestral music in the eighteenth century?
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Dynamics and gradual dynamic changes in the Classical era were specifically notated by composers.
Dynamics and gradual dynamic changes in the Classical era were specifically notated by composers.
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Where was Europe's first concert hall located?
Where was Europe's first concert hall located?
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How are Classical themes 'closed off'?
How are Classical themes 'closed off'?
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In a movement of Classical music, the _________ will stay the same and the _____ will be varied.
In a movement of Classical music, the _________ will stay the same and the _____ will be varied.
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Where did the classical style principally develop?
Where did the classical style principally develop?
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In the Classical era, counterpoint was used to create _______ and was often found in _______ sections.
In the Classical era, counterpoint was used to create _______ and was often found in _______ sections.
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What was music during the Enlightenment meant to do?
What was music during the Enlightenment meant to do?
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Which ruler in the Classical era was known for his generous encouragement of music?
Which ruler in the Classical era was known for his generous encouragement of music?
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The woodwind section of a Classical orchestra consisted of?
The woodwind section of a Classical orchestra consisted of?
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What did the percussion section of a Classical orchestra include?
What did the percussion section of a Classical orchestra include?
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Composers of Classical music worked extensively with all musical elements to add variety and flexibility.
Composers of Classical music worked extensively with all musical elements to add variety and flexibility.
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The Classical use of dynamics was reflected in the popularity of the new instrument, the _____ in the Classical era.
The Classical use of dynamics was reflected in the popularity of the new instrument, the _____ in the Classical era.
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What is the light, decorative, frivolous style of art and music that developed during the mid-eighteenth century called?
What is the light, decorative, frivolous style of art and music that developed during the mid-eighteenth century called?
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In his writings, what did Rousseau attack?
In his writings, what did Rousseau attack?
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Which is not one of the standard Classical forms?
Which is not one of the standard Classical forms?
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What did the eighteenth-century public concert include principally?
What did the eighteenth-century public concert include principally?
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Who was Rousseau in the context of the Classical era?
Who was Rousseau in the context of the Classical era?
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Which were sometimes included in Classical symphonies?
Which were sometimes included in Classical symphonies?
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What was the most progressive style of opera in the latter part of the eighteenth century?
What was the most progressive style of opera in the latter part of the eighteenth century?
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How might a Classical composer help listeners become familiar with a theme in a composition?
How might a Classical composer help listeners become familiar with a theme in a composition?
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What was the main function of the brass section in a Classical orchestra?
What was the main function of the brass section in a Classical orchestra?
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What is the predominant texture of Classical music?
What is the predominant texture of Classical music?
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What was the most versatile medium for Classical composers?
What was the most versatile medium for Classical composers?
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What was the result of the Classical practice of using standard form?
What was the result of the Classical practice of using standard form?
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What compositional practice by composers disappeared during the Classical era?
What compositional practice by composers disappeared during the Classical era?
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Study Notes
Brass Section Function
- The brass section's primary role in a Classical orchestra is to support the main harmonies.
Characteristics of Classical Music
- Most Classical music is characterized by "natural" simplicity and pleasing variety.
- The predominant texture is homophony, differing from the polyphony of earlier eras.
Rococo Style
- A notable feature of the Rococo style is the divertimento, emphasizing lightness and charm.
Evolution of Classical Music
- The Classical style emerged in the mid-eighteenth century, shaped by new sociocultural dynamics.
- Regular public concerts with subscription ticket sales became common during this time.
Instrument Roles in the Orchestra
- Woodwind and brass instruments in the Classical orchestra have clearly defined roles, enhancing orchestral coherence.
- The woodwind section typically includes two each of the flute, oboe, bassoon, and optional clarinets.
- The percussion section primarily consists of two timpani.
Cultural Changes
- The eighteenth-century salon served as a social hub for artistic and musical gatherings.
- Rousseau advocated for simple characters expressing "natural" music within operatic forms.
Rise of Public Concerts
- The emergence of public concerts in the eighteenth century dramatically increased the demand for orchestral music.
- The concert hall became a critical venue for musical performances, with Oxford housing the first in Europe.
Dynamics and Composition
- Composers in the Classical era notated dynamics and gradual changes explicitly, leading to more nuanced performances.
- Classical themes often concluded with multiple cadences, providing a sense of closure.
Development of Themes
- In a Classical movement, the meter and tempo remain constant while rhythms are varied, allowing for dynamic expression.
- Repetition was a common tactic employed by composers to help listeners familiarize themselves with themes.
Main Influences and Figures
- Emperor Joseph II was notable for his generous patronage of music during the Classical era.
- Rousseau is recognized as Europe's first "alienated intellectual," critiquing the Baroque operatic style and influencing the rise of opera buffa.
Instrumentation Evolution
- The Classical era saw the piano gain popularity due to its dynamic capabilities, paralleling the era's approach to composition and performance.
- Popular tunes were sometimes incorporated into Classical symphonies, reflecting a blend of traditional and contemporary styles.
Disappearing Practices
- The use of continuo to suggest harmony fell out of favor during the Classical period, marking a significant shift in compositional practices.
Overall Traits of Classical Music
- Composers actively worked with all musical elements to enhance variety and flexibility, leading to more predictable yet engaging music for listeners.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your knowledge on Classical music through these flashcards. This quiz covers key elements, characteristics, and functions of brass sections in orchestras, as well as defining attributes of the Rococo style. Perfect for students and enthusiasts alike!
