Classical Music Period Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Describe 3 differences between Opera in the Baroque and Classical Period.

Classical operas were open for everyone, while Baroque operas were mainly for people with higher wealth. 2. Baroque music was more for dance, whereas Classical music constantly changes. 3. The Baroque period had more polyphonic texture, while the Classical period had more homophonic texture.

Discuss instrumental music in the Classical Period. Please include which instruments became important in this music.

Orchestras used many brass and wind instruments, including trumpets, trombones, Basset clarinets, and Basset horns.

List one major change in the orchestra from the Baroque to the Classical Period.

The dynamics increased from only two in the Baroque period (forte and piano) to a variety of dynamics in the Classical period.

List 3 different instrumental forms of music that had great stylistic advances during the Classical period.

<ol> <li>Sonata 2) Concerto 3) Symphony</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

Discuss the 4-movement form of the Symphony.

The four movements usually last about 20-25 minutes. The first movement is often fast and in sonata form. The second movement is slower and lyrical. The third movement is fast and dance-like, while the fourth movement is the biggest and loudest, known as the Finale. Signup and view all the answers

Discuss Haydn's Surprise Symphony.

Haydn's Surprise Symphony is upbeat and sanguine, contrasting with previous gloomy styles. The second movement is typically fast, which is unusual since the second movements are usually slow. Signup and view all the answers

Discuss how music connected to art in the Classical Period.

During the Classical Period, both music and art were reactions against prior styles, inspired by Ancient Greece and Rome. The artistic movement known as neoclassicism emphasized form and symmetry, showing similarities in rationalism between music and visual art. Signup and view all the answers

What are the birth and death dates of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart?

27 January 1756 - 5 December 1791 Signup and view all the answers

Discuss Joseph Haydn's contributions and career.

Haydn was instrumental in the development of chamber music, particularly the piano trio, and is known as the 'Father of the Symphony' and 'Father of the String Quartet'. He spent much of his career as a court musician for the Esterházy family, where he was isolated but created original compositions. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Differences in Opera: Baroque vs. Classical Period

Baroque opera was exclusive to the wealthy, while Classical opera was accessible to a broader audience.
Music in the Baroque period prioritized dance, while the Classical period emphasized continual change in musical composition.
Baroque music featured more polyphonic textures, contrasting with the Classical era's focus on homophonic textures.

Instrumental Music in the Classical Period

Orchestras expanded to include brass and woodwind instruments.
Key brass instruments included trumpets and buccin trombones.
Important woodwind instruments were the basset clarinet and basset horn.

Orchestra Changes: Baroque to Classical

Baroque music predominantly utilized two dynamics (forte and piano), while Classical music introduced a wider variety of dynamic expressions.

Instrumental Forms with Stylistic Advances

Sonata
Concerto
Symphony

Four-Movement Symphony Structure

Total duration of a symphony is generally 20-25 minutes.
The first movement is usually fast and often in sonata form, which features instrumental solos.
The second movement is slower and typically lyrical in style.
The third movement, like the first, is fast and often dance-based.
The finale, or fourth movement, is the most extensive and loudest.

Haydn's Surprise Symphony

Known for an upbeat and sanguine character, diverging from the gloom of earlier periods.
The second movement of this symphony features rapid tempos, contrasting the common slow tempo of second movements.

Connection Between Music and Art in the Classical Period

Both music and art were reactions against preceding artistic styles.
Neoclassicism inspired both the music and visual arts, drawing from Greco-Roman cultural forms.
Key elements in both art and music included form, symmetry, and rationalism.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Born on January 27, 1756, in Salzburg; died December 5, 1791.
Renowned as a prolific composer of the Classical era.
Displayed exceptional musical talent from a young age, mastering keyboard and violin by five, composing, and performing for European royalty early in his career.

Joseph Haydn

Played a crucial role in developing chamber music, particularly the piano trio.
Earned titles like "Father of the Symphony" and "Father of the String Quartet."
Worked primarily as a court musician for the Esterházy family, leading to a unique originality in his composition.
Despite isolation, his music gained widespread circulation, making him a celebrated composer in Europe.

Description

Explore the distinctions between Opera in the Baroque and Classical periods through these flashcards. Learn about accessibility, musical style, and performance practices that evolved over time. Perfect for music students and enthusiasts alike!