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Questions and Answers
How did composers treat melody during the Classical period?
How did composers treat melody during the Classical period?
Short balanced phrases created tuneful melodies that were influenced more by vocal than instrumental style.
Identify the statement that correctly describes the harmonic style of the era.
Identify the statement that correctly describes the harmonic style of the era.
The harmonic rhythm varies dramatically, creating a dynamic flux and flow; simple chordal harmonies made more active by 'Alberti' bass.
Which answer correctly describes the rhythm of Classical period music?
Which answer correctly describes the rhythm of Classical period music?
Becomes more stop-and-go; greater rhythmic variety within a single movement.
The texture of Classical period music is generally:
The texture of Classical period music is generally:
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The years between ________ is known as the Classical Period.
The years between ________ is known as the Classical Period.
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Phrases that are dependent upon each other to produce a complete musical idea are called ________ and __________.
Phrases that are dependent upon each other to produce a complete musical idea are called ________ and __________.
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Which definition is correct for 'Alberti bass'?
Which definition is correct for 'Alberti bass'?
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What is a 'comic opera'?
What is a 'comic opera'?
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The 'pianoforte' is:
The 'pianoforte' is:
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The new comic opera, called ________ in Italy, was the opera of the middle class.
The new comic opera, called ________ in Italy, was the opera of the middle class.
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During the Enlightenment, also referred to as the Age of Reason, thinkers gave free rein to the pursuit of truth and the discovery of natural laws.
During the Enlightenment, also referred to as the Age of Reason, thinkers gave free rein to the pursuit of truth and the discovery of natural laws.
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Spurred on by economic self-interest and the principles of Enlightenment philosophers, the Age of Reason gave way to the Age of Revolution as the middle class of France and America rebelled against the monarchy.
Spurred on by economic self-interest and the principles of Enlightenment philosophers, the Age of Reason gave way to the Age of Revolution as the middle class of France and America rebelled against the monarchy.
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Due to the physical power required to play the pianoforte, the most common players of the new instrument were professional male musicians.
Due to the physical power required to play the pianoforte, the most common players of the new instrument were professional male musicians.
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Which aspect contributed to the dramatic quality of Classical music?
Which aspect contributed to the dramatic quality of Classical music?
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Which composer is not considered a member of the 'Viennese School'?
Which composer is not considered a member of the 'Viennese School'?
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Which statement does not apply to Haydn's early years?
Which statement does not apply to Haydn's early years?
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Mozart was born in the town of __________.
Mozart was born in the town of __________.
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Which composers are representative of the Classical period?
Which composers are representative of the Classical period?
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All of the following statements regarding the early years of Mozart are accurate with the exception of:
All of the following statements regarding the early years of Mozart are accurate with the exception of:
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Which statement about Mozart's compositions and his childhood experiences touring Europe is wrong?
Which statement about Mozart's compositions and his childhood experiences touring Europe is wrong?
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Which musical tradition was not influential in the development of Mozart's musical style?
Which musical tradition was not influential in the development of Mozart's musical style?
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Mozart found the system of aristocratic patronage irritating, and after several unpleasant scenes with his patron, the archbishop of Salzburg, he cut himself free and moved to Vienna, determined to make a living as a freelance musician.
Mozart found the system of aristocratic patronage irritating, and after several unpleasant scenes with his patron, the archbishop of Salzburg, he cut himself free and moved to Vienna, determined to make a living as a freelance musician.
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All of the statements about the last six years of Mozart's life (1785-1791) are accurate with the exception of:
All of the statements about the last six years of Mozart's life (1785-1791) are accurate with the exception of:
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From 1781 until his death in 1791, Mozart lived exclusively in which city?
From 1781 until his death in 1791, Mozart lived exclusively in which city?
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Study Notes
Classical Period Overview
- The Classical period spans from 1750 to 1820.
- Characterized by balanced, tuneful melodies influenced more by vocal traditions than instrumental styles.
Harmonic Style
- Harmonic rhythm is dynamic, resulting in a dramatic flux and flow.
- Simple chord progressions are enriched by the use of "Alberti bass," which creates an active foundation.
Rhythm Characteristics
- Music rhythm becomes varied, often adopting a stop-and-go style.
- Allows for greater rhythmic variety within single movements of compositions.
Texture in Music
- Generally homophonic, featuring a light and transparent texture.
- Passages utilizing contrapuntal styles are mainly included for contrast.
Phrases in Music
- Musical phrases are categorized as antecedent and consequent, which rely on one another for a complete musical idea.
Alberti Bass
- Defined as a technique where chords are played in succession rather than simultaneously, contributing to a continuous sound.
Comic Opera
- Emerged in the 18th century, depicting everyday characters and situations, integrating spoken dialogue with simple melodies.
Pianoforte
- The original name for the piano, invented around 1700 in Italy.
Opera Buffa
- The new comic opera genre in Italy, aimed at middle-class audiences and known for its lighthearted themes.
Enlightenment and Revolution
- The Enlightenment era, or Age of Reason, emphasized the pursuit of truth and the discovery of natural laws.
- The Age of Revolution followed as the middle classes in France and America began to rebel against monarchies.
Music Patronage and Influence
- Initially, professional male musicians dominated pianoforte performance due to required physical strength.
- Various composers symbolize the Classical period, including Mozart, Haydn, and Beethoven.
- Vivaldi is not a member of the "Viennese School."
Mozart's Life
- Mozart was born in Salzburg and had early musical experiences that contributed to his style.
- Encountered frustration with the aristocratic patronage system which led to his decision to become a freelance musician in Vienna.
- His tours across Europe garnered fame but did not yield stable patronage.
Last Years of Mozart
- Lived in Vienna from 1781 until his death in 1791.
- There are inaccuracies in the commonly held narratives about his celebrity status and achievements during the last six years of his life, particularly regarding his London visits and association with Oxford.
Influences on Mozart
- While various musical traditions influenced his development, Spanish flamenco did not play a role in shaping his style.
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Description
Explore the characteristics of the Classical period in music, which spans from 1750 to 1820. This quiz covers elements such as harmonic style, rhythm, texture, and the unique 'Alberti bass' technique. Test your knowledge on how these features influence musical phrases and overall composition.
