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Questions and Answers
What term often applies to the style of music composed in the 18th century and early 19th centuries in Europe?
What term often applies to the style of music composed in the 18th century and early 19th centuries in Europe?
What 2 centuries brought out classical music in Europe?
What 2 centuries brought out classical music in Europe?
18th and 19th
What type of history was the term 'classical' taken from?
What type of history was the term 'classical' taken from?
Art history
What 2 types of ancient cultures influenced the term 'classical'?
What 2 types of ancient cultures influenced the term 'classical'?
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The important elements of music and art during the classical period were the stresses on what?
The important elements of music and art during the classical period were the stresses on what?
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What 3 important elements of music and art were stressed during the classical period?
What 3 important elements of music and art were stressed during the classical period?
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One of the 4 basic criteria that music of the classical era needed: it needed to be what?
One of the 4 basic criteria that music of the classical era needed: it needed to be what?
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One of the 4 basic criteria that music of the classical era needed: it was to have an aspect of what?
One of the 4 basic criteria that music of the classical era needed: it was to have an aspect of what?
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One of the 4 basic criteria that music of the classical era needed: it was to meet the needs of which two classes?
One of the 4 basic criteria that music of the classical era needed: it was to meet the needs of which two classes?
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One of the 4 basic criteria that music of the classical era needed: it needed to be what within the bounds of established decorum?
One of the 4 basic criteria that music of the classical era needed: it needed to be what within the bounds of established decorum?
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One of the 4 basic criteria that music of the classical era needed: music in the classical period was free of what?
One of the 4 basic criteria that music of the classical era needed: music in the classical period was free of what?
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Classical music had to be readily accessible to whom?
Classical music had to be readily accessible to whom?
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The 3 main composers of the classical period were?
The 3 main composers of the classical period were?
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During the 3 main composers' lifetimes, they saw a drastic shift from the aristocracy and the church to the?
During the 3 main composers' lifetimes, they saw a drastic shift from the aristocracy and the church to the?
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An important development that occurred during the classical period was the?
An important development that occurred during the classical period was the?
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Who chose to live and compose as a musical servant to a wealthy aristocratic family for most of his professional life?
Who chose to live and compose as a musical servant to a wealthy aristocratic family for most of his professional life?
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Who attempted to break away from this lifestyle but died in poverty?
Who attempted to break away from this lifestyle but died in poverty?
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Who was the first successful major composer to completely break away from the service of an aristocratic family?
Who was the first successful major composer to completely break away from the service of an aristocratic family?
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Franz Joseph Haydn was born in?
Franz Joseph Haydn was born in?
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Franz Joseph Haydn composed his first mass at what age?
Franz Joseph Haydn composed his first mass at what age?
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Franz Joseph Haydn composed his first string quartet at what age?
Franz Joseph Haydn composed his first string quartet at what age?
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Franz Joseph Haydn composed his first symphony at what age?
Franz Joseph Haydn composed his first symphony at what age?
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Study Notes
Classical Music Overview
- Classical music refers to the style of music that emerged in Europe during the 18th and early 19th centuries.
- The term "classical" is derived from art history, indicating a connection to traditional forms and elegance.
Influences on Classical Music
- Ancient Greek and Roman cultures significantly influenced the concept of classical music and its characteristics.
Key Elements of the Classical Period
- Stressed balance and structure in musical composition and the visual arts.
- Emphasized three core principles: balance, order, and clarity, which guided both music and art.
Criteria for Classical Era Music
- Music needed to be universal, transcending geographic boundaries.
- It should appeal to the nobility while being entertaining to the middle class.
- Expressiveness was important, although it had to remain within established decorum.
- Music should be free of technical complications, promoting a natural sound.
- Accessibility was essential, allowing it to be enjoyed by a broad audience.
Prominent Composers
- The classical period is primarily associated with three composers:
- Franz Joseph Haydn
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
- Ludwig van Beethoven
Societal Changes
- The era witnessed a shift from an aristocracy-dominated musical landscape to one that increasingly catered to the middle class.
Development of the Composer's Role
- The classical period marked the emancipation of composers, allowing them greater creative freedom.
Profiles of Major Composers
-
Franz Joseph Haydn:
- Spent most of his life as a musical servant to a wealthy aristocratic family.
- Born in Rohrau, Austria. Composed his first mass at age 19, a string quartet at 23, and his first symphony at 27.
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Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart:
- Tried to break from aristocratic service but struggled financially and died in poverty due to his temperament.
-
Ludwig van Beethoven:
- First major composer to fully break away from aristocratic patronage, setting a precedent for future composers to become freelance artists.
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Description
Test your knowledge of classical music during the 18th and 19th centuries with these flashcards. Learn about key terms, historical influences, and the artistic context of this influential period in music history.
