Classical Music Quiz

Questions and Answers

What are the dates of Western Classical music?

1750-1820

Briefly describe characteristics of classicism (including music, art and philosophy).

Age of Enlightenment, rococo style (light colors, curved lines, and graceful ornaments), neoclassical (paintings of heroism), tuneful melody and simple harmony

Name the three top composers of the Classical period.

Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven

Trombones were included in the classical orchestra.

False Signup and view all the answers

Describe Mozart and Haydn's relationship.

Haydn was Mozart's teacher. Signup and view all the answers

Name the three components of a sonata form movement.

Exposition, Development, Recapitulation Signup and view all the answers

Describe the components of the recapitulation of a sonata form movement.

Main theme in tonic key is presented; first theme, bridge, second theme and concluding section are presented Signup and view all the answers

Describe the harmonic elements of the exposition of a sonata form movement.

Strong conflict between tonic key and the new key Signup and view all the answers

What are the components of Theme and Variation form?

Single part form: no large contrasting 'B' section, basic idea repeated over and over Signup and view all the answers

How did the minuet first appear? What year did it appear?

Began in French courts with dances, 1650. Signup and view all the answers

Describe minuet form.

Usually 3rd movement of classical works (ABA) Signup and view all the answers

Define Scherzo.

Same as minuet and trio but slightly faster (ABA) Signup and view all the answers

What is the slowest movement of a symphony?

The 2nd Signup and view all the answers

Define a symphony.

Extended, ambitious composition lasting for 20 to 45 minutes Signup and view all the answers

What are the components of a typical classical concerto?

Fast - slow - fast Signup and view all the answers

Most classical concertos contain solos with what instrument?

Piano Signup and view all the answers

Define a cadenza.

Break near end of 1st and sometimes last movement that is a showpiece for the soloist, originally improvised Signup and view all the answers

What is the most important form of classical chamber music?

Four movements, fast - slow - dance - fast, for two violins, viola, cello Signup and view all the answers

Define chamber music.

Small group of 4 to 9 instruments, one player per part, designed for the intimate setting of a room, rather than concert hall. Signup and view all the answers

Define piano trio.

Violin, cello, and piano Signup and view all the answers

What was the name of the Hungarian family Haydn worked for?

Esterhazys Signup and view all the answers

What city did Mozart move to at age 25?

Vienna Signup and view all the answers

Name three of Mozart's most famous Italian operas.

Don Giovanni, Magic Flute, Marriage of Figaro (and Cosi fan tutte) Signup and view all the answers

What was special about Mozart's Symphony No. 40?

Most passionate and dramatic, conveyed most emotion Signup and view all the answers

List facts about Beethoven's personal life.

Self-educated, prolific reader but weak in elementary arithmetic, very organized when composing, yet dressed sloppily and lived in messy apartments, fell in and out of love, enjoyed nature Signup and view all the answers

What was Beethoven's favorite form during his late period?

Fugue Signup and view all the answers

Describe the opening rhythm of Beethoven's Symphony No. 5.

Short short short long Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of Beethoven's Symphony No. 3? Who was it originally written in honor of?

Eroica, originally written in honor of Napoleon Signup and view all the answers

What were the three major things Beethoven composed after he went completely deaf?

Missa solemnis, 9th symphony, and late piano sonatas and string quartets Signup and view all the answers

What are the characteristics of Classical Music?

Contrast of mood, flexible rhythm, homophonic, tuneful melodies, gradual dynamic change, no basso continuo Signup and view all the answers

What were the typical components of an orchestra in the Classical Period?

Strings: 1st violins, 2nd violins, violas, cellos, double basses; Woodwinds: 2 flutes, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons; Brass: 2 French horns, 2 trumpets; Percussion: 2 timpani Signup and view all the answers

What is the rondo form?

ABACA Signup and view all the answers

What is sonata rondo form?

ABACABA Signup and view all the answers

What is Beethoven's Symphony No. 5?

Symphony Signup and view all the answers

What is Beethoven's Sonata Pathetique?

Sonata Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Western Classical Music Timeline

Western Classical music spans the years 1750 to 1820.

Characteristics of Classicism

Influenced by the Age of Enlightenment, featuring rococo style with light colors and graceful ornaments.
Neoclassical art emphasized heroism and historical themes.
Musical characteristics include tuneful melodies and simple harmonies.

Prominent Classical Composers

Key figures of the Classical period: Mozart, Haydn, and Beethoven.

Classical Orchestra Composition

Trombones were not part of the classical orchestra, which is a false statement.

Relationship Between Mozart and Haydn

Haydn served as a mentor to Mozart, shaping his musical development.

Sonata Form Components

Sonata form consists of Exposition, Development, and Recapitulation.

Recapitulation in Sonata Form

Main theme presented in the tonic key, includes first theme, bridge, second theme, and a concluding section.

Exposition Harmonic Elements

Exposition features strong conflict between the tonic key and a new key.

Theme and Variation Form

Comprises single part form with no contrasting "B" section; the basic idea is repeated.

Minuet and Its Origins

The minuet originated in French courts as a dance around 1650.

Minuet Form Structure

Typically structured as ABA and is the 3rd movement in classical compositions.

Scherzo Definition

Similar to the minuet but faster in tempo, also follows an ABA structure.

Symphony Second Movement

The second movement of a symphony is typically the slowest.

Symphony Definition

A symphony is an extended composition lasting between 20 to 45 minutes.

Classical Concerto Structure

Typical concerto format includes fast-slow-fast movements.

Instrumentation in Concertos

Most classical concertos feature a solo performance by the piano.

Cadenza Explanation

A cadenza is a showpiece for the soloist near the end of the first and sometimes last movement; it was originally improvised.

Classical Chamber Music

The most crucial form consists of four movements: fast-slow-dance-fast, featuring two violins, viola, and cello.

Chamber Music Characteristics

Defined as a small group of 4 to 9 instruments, with one player per part, intended for intimate settings rather than large concert halls.

Piano Trio Definition

A piano trio is composed of violin, cello, and piano.

Haydn's Patronage

Haydn worked for the Hungarian family known as the Esterhazys.

Mozart's Move to Vienna

Mozart relocated to Vienna at the age of 25.

Notable Italian Operas by Mozart

Famous operas include "Don Giovanni," "The Magic Flute," and "The Marriage of Figaro."

Symphony No. 40

Known for its passion and drama, conveying intense emotion.

Beethoven's Personal Characteristics

Self-educated, he was an avid reader but struggled with arithmetic; organized in compositions, yet lived in chaos.

Favorite Musical Form of Beethoven

Beethoven favored the fugue, particularly during his late period.

Rhythm of Beethoven's Symphony No. 5

The opening rhythm is characterized by a sequence of short-short-short-long notes.

Beethoven's Symphony No. 3

Originally written in honor of Napoleon, it was ultimately titled "Eroica."

Major Compositions Post-Deafness

Key works after losing his hearing include "Missa Solemnis," the 9th Symphony, and late piano sonatas and string quartets.

Characteristics of Classical Music

Notable traits include mood contrasts, flexible rhythms, homophonic texture, tuneful melodies, and gradual dynamic changes without a basso continuo.

Classical Period Orchestra Composition

Typical orchestration includes strings (first/second violins, violas, cellos, double basses), woodwinds (2 flutes, oboes, clarinets, bassoons), brass (2 french horns, trumpets), and percussion (2 timpani).

Rondo Structure

Rondo is characterized by the structure ABACA.

Sonata Rondo Structure

Sonata rondo follows the format ABACABA.

Beethoven's Symphony No. 5

Beethoven's Symphony No. 5 represents a significant work in classical music.

Beethoven's Sonata Pathetique

The Sonata Pathetique is another notable composition by Beethoven.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the key elements of Western Classical music with this quiz. Explore the dates, characteristics, and notable composers that define this significant era in music history. Perfect for students and enthusiasts alike!