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Questions and Answers
How does Haydn creatively prepare listeners for the second return of the main theme in the fourth movement of the Symphony No. 94 in G Major?
How does Haydn creatively prepare listeners for the second return of the main theme in the fourth movement of the Symphony No. 94 in G Major?
By repeating its beginning notes over and over
Select all the techniques used by Mozart to express emotion in his operas.
Select all the techniques used by Mozart to express emotion in his operas.
- Crescendos and decrescendos (correct)
- Two violins playing octaves (correct)
- Muted violins and a flute playing in unison (correct)
Select all the characteristics of the coda in the third movement of Haydn's Trumpet Concerto in E Flat Major.
Select all the characteristics of the coda in the third movement of Haydn's Trumpet Concerto in E Flat Major.
- Sudden changes in dynamics (correct)
- Surprising harmonic twists (correct)
- A long, suspenseful pause (correct)
Select all the statements about Mozart's childhood and youth.
Select all the statements about Mozart's childhood and youth.
Select all the techniques that are characteristic of Mozart's operas.
Select all the techniques that are characteristic of Mozart's operas.
Select all the statements that apply to how characters are portrayed in Mozart's operas.
Select all the statements that apply to how characters are portrayed in Mozart's operas.
Select all the statements about Mozart's adult career.
Select all the statements about Mozart's adult career.
Select all the musical elements that are used to set the scene in the introduction to Mozart's Don Giovanni.
Select all the musical elements that are used to set the scene in the introduction to Mozart's Don Giovanni.
Select all that apply to the forms combined in the fourth movement of Haydn's Symphony No. 94 in G Major (Surprise).
Select all that apply to the forms combined in the fourth movement of Haydn's Symphony No. 94 in G Major (Surprise).
What is considered Mozart's finest opera in German?
What is considered Mozart's finest opera in German?
Select all the techniques Mozart uses to convey mood in this selection from Don Giovanni.
Select all the techniques Mozart uses to convey mood in this selection from Don Giovanni.
What musical technique does Mozart use in the 'catalog' aria to differentiate between Leporello's recounting of Don Giovanni's romantic conquests and his explanation of Don Giovanni's seduction techniques?
What musical technique does Mozart use in the 'catalog' aria to differentiate between Leporello's recounting of Don Giovanni's romantic conquests and his explanation of Don Giovanni's seduction techniques?
Select all the musical elements that are used to set the scene for the aria La ci darem la mano from Don Giovanni.
Select all the musical elements that are used to set the scene for the aria La ci darem la mano from Don Giovanni.
Which statement describes this selection from Mozart's Symphony No. 40 in G Minor?
Which statement describes this selection from Mozart's Symphony No. 40 in G Minor?
Select all the changes that occur in this aria from Don Giovanni.
Select all the changes that occur in this aria from Don Giovanni.
How does Mozart use the two-note rhythmic figure from the development section of the second movement of the Symphony No. 40 to create a new tone color?
How does Mozart use the two-note rhythmic figure from the development section of the second movement of the Symphony No. 40 to create a new tone color?
How does Mozart signify that Zerlina has changed her mind and has decided to go with Don Giovanni to his palace?
How does Mozart signify that Zerlina has changed her mind and has decided to go with Don Giovanni to his palace?
How does the music emphasize Don Giovanni's fatal sword thrust at the end of his duel with the Commandant?
How does the music emphasize Don Giovanni's fatal sword thrust at the end of his duel with the Commandant?
Select all the ways in which the trio differs from the minuet in the third movement of Mozart's Symphony No. 40 in G Minor.
Select all the ways in which the trio differs from the minuet in the third movement of Mozart's Symphony No. 40 in G Minor.
The preclassical style and eventual classical style developed as a reaction to what?
The preclassical style and eventual classical style developed as a reaction to what?
Which of the following best describes the use of mood in classical music?
Which of the following best describes the use of mood in classical music?
What use of rhythm in classical music differs from baroque music?
What use of rhythm in classical music differs from baroque music?
Select all the ways the texture of music of the classical period differ from that of the baroque period.
Select all the ways the texture of music of the classical period differ from that of the baroque period.
Which best describes the balance and symmetry in a typical melody of the classical era having the form a a'?
Which best describes the balance and symmetry in a typical melody of the classical era having the form a a'?
Select all the composers of the classical era.
Select all the composers of the classical era.
Select all the statements that illustrate how classical composers created expression of mood in their music.
Select all the statements that illustrate how classical composers created expression of mood in their music.
Flexibility of rhythm was NOT a characteristic of the classical style.
Flexibility of rhythm was NOT a characteristic of the classical style.
What was one of the ways in which composers of the classical era achieved more expression in their music?
What was one of the ways in which composers of the classical era achieved more expression in their music?
Which statement best describes the use of texture in classical compositions?
Which statement best describes the use of texture in classical compositions?
One reason that basso ______ became obsolete during the classical era was that more and more music was written for amateurs who could not master the difficult art of improvising from a figured bass.
One reason that basso ______ became obsolete during the classical era was that more and more music was written for amateurs who could not master the difficult art of improvising from a figured bass.
How are classical melodies typically structured?
How are classical melodies typically structured?
Select all the descriptions that apply to the orchestra of the classical period.
Select all the descriptions that apply to the orchestra of the classical period.
Select all the usual functions of instrumental sections in the orchestra of the classical era.
Select all the usual functions of instrumental sections in the orchestra of the classical era.
Select all the statements that describe mood in classical-era music, particularly in contrast to baroque music.
Select all the statements that describe mood in classical-era music, particularly in contrast to baroque music.
In a classical-era work for orchestra or string quartet, the tempos of the four movements typically followed which of the following patterns?
In a classical-era work for orchestra or string quartet, the tempos of the four movements typically followed which of the following patterns?
Select all the reasons that explain why the piano replaced the harpsichord in the classical period.
Select all the reasons that explain why the piano replaced the harpsichord in the classical period.
Select all the ways that middle-class tastes influenced classical music.
Select all the ways that middle-class tastes influenced classical music.
What development led to the decline of the basso continuo in the classical period?
What development led to the decline of the basso continuo in the classical period?
Select all the statements that explain Vienna's importance in the development of classical-era music.
Select all the statements that explain Vienna's importance in the development of classical-era music.
Select all the groups of instruments that were standard in the orchestras of Haydn and Mozart.
Select all the groups of instruments that were standard in the orchestras of Haydn and Mozart.
To achieve an even more conclusive ending, composers often added a ______ (meaning tail in Italian) at the end of a movement in sonata form.
To achieve an even more conclusive ending, composers often added a ______ (meaning tail in Italian) at the end of a movement in sonata form.
What role did woodwinds primarily play in the classical orchestra?
What role did woodwinds primarily play in the classical orchestra?
What instruments make up a string quartet?
What instruments make up a string quartet?
Select all the roles of the exposition section of the sonata form.
Select all the roles of the exposition section of the sonata form.
Select all the ways the middle-class public of the classical era enjoyed music.
Select all the ways the middle-class public of the classical era enjoyed music.
Which European city was the musical center during the classical period?
Which European city was the musical center during the classical period?
Select all the common sections of the sonata form.
Select all the common sections of the sonata form.
What are motives?
What are motives?
In which section of the sonata form are the first theme, bridge, second theme, and concluding section all played in the tonic key?
In which section of the sonata form are the first theme, bridge, second theme, and concluding section all played in the tonic key?
In the sonata form, the key that comes in the bridge or transition to the second theme is typically ______.
In the sonata form, the key that comes in the bridge or transition to the second theme is typically ______.
Select all the reasons public concerts were so important for the middle class in the classical period.
Select all the reasons public concerts were so important for the middle class in the classical period.
Which one of these often ends with a coda?
Which one of these often ends with a coda?
Which section of the sonata form is the most dramatic, featuring harmonic tension caused by rapid key modulations?
Which section of the sonata form is the most dramatic, featuring harmonic tension caused by rapid key modulations?
Select all the ways in which contrasts in rhythm and dynamics are created in the first theme in the exposition of Mozart's Symphony No. 40, fourth movement.
Select all the ways in which contrasts in rhythm and dynamics are created in the first theme in the exposition of Mozart's Symphony No. 40, fourth movement.
What is one crucial change to how the first theme, bridge, second theme, and concluding section are presented in the recapitulation?
What is one crucial change to how the first theme, bridge, second theme, and concluding section are presented in the recapitulation?
What usually comes at the end of the exposition section of the sonata form?
What usually comes at the end of the exposition section of the sonata form?
What is the function of a coda?
What is the function of a coda?
Which description applies to the theme-and-variations form of the classical period?
Which description applies to the theme-and-variations form of the classical period?
Select all the descriptions that apply to the fourth movement of Mozart's Symphony No. 40.
Select all the descriptions that apply to the fourth movement of Mozart's Symphony No. 40.
What is the most important aspect of the recapitulation in sonata form?
What is the most important aspect of the recapitulation in sonata form?
Which of the following best describes what is heard in this excerpt from Haydn's Surprise Symphony?
Which of the following best describes what is heard in this excerpt from Haydn's Surprise Symphony?
Which sequence represents the structure of a minuet and trio form?
Which sequence represents the structure of a minuet and trio form?
Select all the techniques a composer might use to vary the main theme in a theme-and-variations movement.
Select all the techniques a composer might use to vary the main theme in a theme-and-variations movement.
Select all the statements about the section and its mood and dynamic level.
Select all the statements about the section and its mood and dynamic level.
What is the primary difference between Variation 1, heard first, and Variation 2, heard second?
What is the primary difference between Variation 1, heard first, and Variation 2, heard second?
In a minuet and trio, how is the closing minuet different from the opening minuet?
In a minuet and trio, how is the closing minuet different from the opening minuet?
Which of the following best describes the rondo form?
Which of the following best describes the rondo form?
What form has one theme that is repeated again and again and changed each time?
What form has one theme that is repeated again and again and changed each time?
Select all the statements that apply to the second theme in the fourth movement of Mozart's Symphony No. 40.
Select all the statements that apply to the second theme in the fourth movement of Mozart's Symphony No. 40.
Select all the accurate statements about meter and dynamics in the clip and the kind of mood they create.
Select all the accurate statements about meter and dynamics in the clip and the kind of mood they create.
Select all the ways in which the start of Variation 3 differs from the start of Variation 1 in Haydn's Surprise Symphony.
Select all the ways in which the start of Variation 3 differs from the start of Variation 1 in Haydn's Surprise Symphony.
Which pattern describes the exposition (opening section) of the sonata-rondo form?
Which pattern describes the exposition (opening section) of the sonata-rondo form?
Select all the statements about the fourth movement of Haydn's Symphony No. 94 in G Major.
Select all the statements about the fourth movement of Haydn's Symphony No. 94 in G Major.
Select all the characteristics of the second movement of a classical symphony.
Select all the characteristics of the second movement of a classical symphony.
Which movement of a classical symphony tends to be the most dramatic?
Which movement of a classical symphony tends to be the most dramatic?
What form does the finale of a concerto usually take?
What form does the finale of a concerto usually take?
Select all the statements that describe the cadenza in most classical concertos.
Select all the statements that describe the cadenza in most classical concertos.
What effect is created when the first movement of a classical symphony begins with a slow introduction leading into the opening fast movement?
What effect is created when the first movement of a classical symphony begins with a slow introduction leading into the opening fast movement?
Select all the typical ensembles other than the string quartet that played chamber music in the classical era.
Select all the typical ensembles other than the string quartet that played chamber music in the classical era.
In a concerto, the ______ opens the first movement with the introductory exposition.
In a concerto, the ______ opens the first movement with the introductory exposition.
Select all the statements about Haydn's early career.
Select all the statements about Haydn's early career.
Select all the descriptions of the main theme heard here.
Select all the descriptions of the main theme heard here.
What is a cadenza?
What is a cadenza?
Select all the statements that describe classical chamber music.
Select all the statements that describe classical chamber music.
Select all the assessments of Haydn's musical style.
Select all the assessments of Haydn's musical style.
Select all the statements about Haydn in his later career.
Select all the statements about Haydn in his later career.
Select all the descriptions that apply to this first movement of Haydn's Symphony No. 94 in G Major (Surprise).
Select all the descriptions that apply to this first movement of Haydn's Symphony No. 94 in G Major (Surprise).
Select all the statements that describe the third movement of Haydn's Symphony No. 94 in G Major.
Select all the statements that describe the third movement of Haydn's Symphony No. 94 in G Major.
Chamber music of the classical era has the same pattern of movements as a symphony, but it differs in what way?
Chamber music of the classical era has the same pattern of movements as a symphony, but it differs in what way?
Select all the characteristics of Haydn's technique of composing.
Select all the characteristics of Haydn's technique of composing.
Select all the statements about the tempo, meter, and mood in this section from Haydn's Symphony No. 94 in G Major.
Select all the statements about the tempo, meter, and mood in this section from Haydn's Symphony No. 94 in G Major.
What is unusual about the minuet of Haydn's Symphony No. 94 (Surprise)?
What is unusual about the minuet of Haydn's Symphony No. 94 (Surprise)?
How many movements do classical symphonies usually have?
How many movements do classical symphonies usually have?
How does Haydn signal the start of the variation on theme B in the third movement of his Trumpet Concerto in E Flat Major?
How does Haydn signal the start of the variation on theme B in the third movement of his Trumpet Concerto in E Flat Major?
Which of the following are considered Haydn's most important works?
Which of the following are considered Haydn's most important works?
Which of the following statements about Mozart's final years and premature death is accurate?
Which of the following statements about Mozart's final years and premature death is accurate?
Select all the instrument families that play the slow introduction to the first movement of Haydn's Surprise Symphony.
Select all the instrument families that play the slow introduction to the first movement of Haydn's Surprise Symphony.
Select all the languages in which Mozart wrote his operas.
Select all the languages in which Mozart wrote his operas.
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Study Notes
Classical Music Characteristics
- Emerged as a reaction to the complexity of baroque works, showcasing simpler forms.
- Mood controlled through contrasting themes, enabling expressiveness while maintaining clarity.
- Rhythmic variety is prominent, unlike baroque's limited patterns, allowing for dynamic contrast.
- Texture is predominantly homophonic, with flexible shifts between textures, enhancing musical expression.
Melodic Structure
- Typical classical melodies feature two phrases of equal length, with the second phrase often conclusive.
- Classical composers employed crescendos and decrescendos for gradual volume changes to enhance emotional expression.
Key Composers
- Notable composers include Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven, integral to the classical era's development.
- Viennese aristocrats significantly influenced classical music, leading to the establishment of Vienna as its cultural center.
Orchestral Elements
- Classical orchestras included strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion, with increasing use of clarinets.
- Exposition in sonata form introduces conflict between keys and themes; development section creates harmonic tension.
Compositional Forms
- Sonata form consists of exposition, development, and recapitulation, often concluding with a coda for resolution.
- Rondo and theme-and-variations forms highlight a main theme interspersed with contrasting themes or variations.
- The minuet-and-trio form typically follows a pattern of minuet → trio → minuet, emphasizing dance rhythms.
Influence of the Middle Class
- Middle-class tastes influenced classical music through accessible compositions, comic operas, and the incorporation of folk themes.
- Public concerts became essential, providing opportunities for the middle class to engage with music traditionally reserved for aristocracy.
Haydn and Mozart
- Haydn's works combine humor and depth, showcasing significant diversity in texture and dynamics.
- Mozart's operas are renowned for their emotional depth and character portrayal, incorporating humor and serious themes, making extensive use of melody to express character emotions.
Instrumentation and Techniques
- Instrument families playing classical pieces included strings, woodwinds, and brass, each contributing to the overall texture.
- Cadenzas in concertos highlight soloists, involving dazzling displays of technique in contrasting sections.
Understanding Classical Works
- The slow introduction in symphonies creates anticipation leading into faster movements, while the dynamic range is often marked by contrasts such as forte and piano.
- Performers in chamber music generally played without a conductor and in smaller ensembles, focusing on intimate musical sharing.
Legacy of Classical Music
- The classical era laid groundwork for future music styles, with its emphasis on structure, thematic development, and emotional expression.
- Artists like Haydn and Mozart not only shaped the musical landscape but also left behind a legacy that influenced generations of composers.
Summary of Haydn's Career
- Haydn's early career involved service to the Esterházy family, where he composed a vast array of works, gaining recognition across Europe.
- His later works achieved popularity, showcasing his ability to adapt to changing musical tastes, particularly during his time in London.
Mozart's Impact
- As a child prodigy, Mozart demonstrated exceptional talents early on, composing operas and symphonies by adolescence.
- His operatic style and character portrayals remain influential, defined by engaging melodies and dramatic effectiveness.### Mozart's Career and Works
- At 25, Mozart left Salzburg and found success as a freelance performer and composer in Vienna.
- "The Magic Flute" is widely regarded as Mozart's finest opera in German.
Musical Elements in Don Giovanni
- Sudden, loud accents by strings highlight Leporello's pacing and contribute to the comic tone.
- The shift from major to minor key enhances mood changes within the scenes.
- Quick, sweeping runs and tremolo in strings create tension and suspense.
Forms and Techniques in Classical Symphonies
- Haydn's Symphony No. 94 incorporates both Sonata and Rondo forms in its fourth movement.
- Mozart uses meter changes (from 4/4 to 3/4) to differentiate Leporello's narrative style in the "catalog" aria.
Characteristics of Arias and Themes
- In the aria "La ci darem la mano," phrases are legato and flowing, featuring a moderate andante tempo.
- Changes in tempo and mood from allegro to andante are significant in other arias from "Don Giovanni."
Symphony No. 40 in G Minor Insights
- The trio section of the third movement concludes with a return to the minuet, showcasing structural balance.
- Uses of rhythmic figures as a countermelody contribute to distinct tonal colors in the Symphony's development section.
Dramatic Significance in Don Giovanni
- Changes in meter (from 2/4 to 3/4) signify Zerlina's decision to accompany Don Giovanni.
- A long dissonant chord underscores the suspense at the moment of Don Giovanni's fatal duel with the Commandant.
Comparison of Musical Sections
- The trio in the third movement of Symphony No. 40 contrasts with the minuet through shifts in key, dynamics, and overall mood, transitioning from serious to airy elements.
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