Classical Music for Dummies Flashcards

Study Notes

George Fredrick Handel

Composer known for his impact on Baroque music.
Famous work: Water Music Suite No. 2, particularly the movement "Alla Hornpipe."

Johann Sebastian Bach

Major composer of the Baroque period.
Recognized for his Well-tempered Clavier, featuring "Prelude and Fugue in C Major," showcasing counterpoint and harmonic progressions.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Renowned Classical composer celebrated for his melodic and structural innovation.
Notable piece: Piano Concerto No. 22 in E-flat major, third movement, exemplifying orchestration and piano dialogue.

Ludwig van Beethoven

Central figure in the transition from Classical to Romantic music.
Key work: Symphony No. 5, first movement, known for its iconic four-note motif and dramatic intensity.

Johannes Brahms

Important composer of the Romantic era, known for symphonic and chamber music.
His Symphony No. 4, third movement, conveys deep emotion and orchestral richness.

Antonín Dvořák

Czech composer who contributed significantly to the Romantic repertoire.
Renowned for the Serenade for Strings, fourth movement, which highlights lyrical themes and rich textures.

Peter Tchaikovsky

Russian composer celebrated for emotional expressiveness and innovative orchestration.
Notable work: Symphony No. 6, fourth movement, often referred to as "Pathétique," known for its melancholic and intense finale.

Claude Debussy

Key figure in Impressionist music, focusing on color and atmosphere.
Famous composition: La Mer, specifically "Dialogue du vent et de la mer," depicting the interplay of sea and wind.

Igor Stravinsky

Influential 20th-century composer recognized for his innovative rhythm and orchestration techniques.
Landmark piece: The Rite of Spring, noted for its groundbreaking use of dissonance and primal themes, particularly in the opening segments through to the end.

Description

Test your knowledge of classical music with these flashcards featuring iconic composers and their notable works. Each card presents a composer alongside a significant piece, helping you familiarize yourself with essential classical repertoire. Perfect for beginners looking to enhance their understanding of classical music.