Classical Music Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What are the dates of the Classical Period?

1750-1820

Philosophers and writers, especially Voltaire and Denis Diderot saw their time as a turning point in history and referred to it as the _________________.

Age of Enlightenment

Social upheaval marked this seventy-year period, as this time encompassed four major wars including _______________________________.

the Seven Years' War, Napoleonic Wars, American and French Revolutions

Power shifted from the church and aristocracy to __________________.

the Middle Class Signup and view all the answers

In the visual arts during the early 18th century, the heavy monumental style of the baroque style gave way to , with its __________.

rococo style, light colors, curved lines, and graceful ornaments Signup and view all the answers

Later this style was superseded by the ___________ style, which attempted to recapture the 'noble simplicity and calm grandeur' of ancient Greek and Roman art.

neoclassical Signup and view all the answers

Neoclassical artists emphasized , and __.

firm lines and clear structure, moralistic subject matter Signup and view all the answers

Polyphonic texture was neglected in favor of a tuneful __ and harmony.

melody and simple Signup and view all the answers

Comparable to the rococo style in art, ________________ was applied to the light graceful music of the early Classical period.

the style galant Signup and view all the answers

The three master composers of the Classical period were _________, _, and _____.

Joseph Haydn, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and Ludwig van Beethoven Signup and view all the answers

Whereas a late baroque piece may convey a single emotion, a classical composition will _______________ in mood.

fluctuate Signup and view all the answers

Rhythm in the classical era made use of a wealth of rhythmic patterns, including , , and frequent changes from __________.

unexpected pauses, syncopations, long notes to shorter ones Signup and view all the answers

The texture of classical era music is basically __________.

homophonic Signup and view all the answers

Melodies in the classical style tend to be easy to remember because they are often based on melodies and sound balanced and symmetrical because they are frequently made up of .

tuneful, two phrases of the same length Signup and view all the answers

Classical composers' interest in expressing shades of emotion led to a widespread use of gradual dynamic change like: and .

crescendo and decrescendo Signup and view all the answers

What was the smaller and quieter version of the modern piano called that Beethoven, Mozart, and Haydn wrote for?

fortepiano Signup and view all the answers

Along with classical composers wanting more control over their music, another reason for the disappearance of the basso continuo was because more music was being written for _ who had not __________.

classical musicians, trained formally Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Classical Period Overview

The Classical Period spans from 1750 to 1820.
This era marked a significant cultural and intellectual transformation known as the Age of Enlightenment.

Historical Context

The period experienced social upheaval, including major conflicts like the Seven Years' War, Napoleonic Wars, American and French Revolutions.
Power transitioned from religious and aristocratic authorities to the Middle Class.

Artistic Movements

The heavy, monumental Baroque style transitioned to the lighter, more ornate Rococo style characterized by light colors and curved lines.
Rococo later gave way to Neoclassical art, which aimed to emulate the "noble simplicity and calm grandeur" of ancient Greek and Roman works.

Neoclassical Characteristics

Neoclassical artists emphasized firm lines, clear structure, and moralistic themes.

Musical Features

The Classical era music favored tuneful melodies and simple harmonies over polyphonic textures.
The galant style mirrored the Rococo aesthetic, influencing the light and graceful music of the early Classical period.

Key Composers

Notable composers of the Classical period include Joseph Haydn, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and Ludwig van Beethoven.

Emotional Expression in Music

Unlike late Baroque compositions that often conveyed a single emotion, Classical pieces frequently fluctuated in mood.
Rhythm during this era introduced varied patterns, unexpected pauses, syncopations, and transitions from long to short notes.

Texture and Melody

The predominant texture in Classical music is homophonic, allowing a clear melody to stand out.
Melodies are typically easy to remember and often structured in balanced phrases of equal length.

Dynamics and Instrumentation

Composers used gradual dynamic changes, such as crescendo and decrescendo, to express complex emotions.
The fortepiano, a smaller and quieter instrument than the modern piano, was used by composers like Beethoven, Mozart, and Haydn.

Cultural Shifts

The decline of the basso continuo was influenced by composers' desires for more musical control and the increasing amount of music being composed for musicians who had not received formal training.

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Description

Test your knowledge of the Classical Period in music with these flashcards. Covering essential dates, influential figures, and key concepts, this quiz is designed to enhance your understanding of this pivotal time in music history. Perfect for students and enthusiasts alike.