Classical Music Overview 1750-1820

Questions and Answers

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.

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?

Becomes more stop-and-go; greater rhythmic variety within a single movement.

The texture of Classical period music is generally:

Homophonic with a thin bass and middle range, hence it is light and transparent; passages in contrapuntal style appear mainly for contrast. Signup and view all the answers

The years between ________ is known as the Classical Period.

1750-1820 Signup and view all the answers

Phrases that are dependent upon each other to produce a complete musical idea are called and __.

antecedent, consequent Signup and view all the answers

Which definition is correct for 'Alberti bass'?

Instead of having the pitches of a chord sound all together, the notes are played in succession to provide a continual stream of sound. Signup and view all the answers

What is a 'comic opera'?

A genre of opera originating in the eighteenth century that portrayed everyday characters and situations, and used spoken dialogue and simple songs. Signup and view all the answers

The 'pianoforte' is:

The original name of the piano, an instrument invented in Italy around 1700. Signup and view all the answers

The new comic opera, called ________ in Italy, was the opera of the middle class.

opera buffa Signup and view all the answers

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.

True Signup and view all the answers

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.

False Signup and view all the answers

Due to the physical power required to play the pianoforte, the most common players of the new instrument were professional male musicians.

False Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect contributed to the dramatic quality of Classical music?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

Which composer is not considered a member of the 'Viennese School'?

Vivaldi Signup and view all the answers

Which statement does not apply to Haydn's early years?

His father forced him to practice at all hours. Signup and view all the answers

Mozart was born in the town of __________.

Salzburg Signup and view all the answers

Which composers are representative of the Classical period?

Mozart, Haydn, and Beethoven. Signup and view all the answers

All of the following statements regarding the early years of Mozart are accurate with the exception of:

His father served as court composer to Joseph II. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about Mozart's compositions and his childhood experiences touring Europe is wrong?

He was court composer to Emperor Joseph II. Signup and view all the answers

Which musical tradition was not influential in the development of Mozart's musical style?

Spanish flamenco Signup and view all the answers

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.

True Signup and view all the answers

All of the statements about the last six years of Mozart's life (1785-1791) are accurate with the exception of:

He made two visits to London. Signup and view all the answers

From 1781 until his death in 1791, Mozart lived exclusively in which city?

Vienna Signup and view all the answers

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.