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.
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Describe Mozart and Haydn's relationship.
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Name the three components of a sonata form movement.
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Describe the components of the recapitulation of a sonata form movement.
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Describe the harmonic elements of the exposition of a sonata form movement.
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What are the components of Theme and Variation form?
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How did the minuet first appear? What year did it appear?
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Describe minuet form.
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Define Scherzo.
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What is the slowest movement of a symphony?
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Define a symphony.
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What are the components of a typical classical concerto?
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Most classical concertos contain solos with what instrument?
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Define a cadenza.
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What is the most important form of classical chamber music?
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Define chamber music.
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Define piano trio.
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What was the name of the Hungarian family Haydn worked for?
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What city did Mozart move to at age 25?
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Name three of Mozart's most famous Italian operas.
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What was special about Mozart's Symphony No. 40?
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List facts about Beethoven's personal life.
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What was Beethoven's favorite form during his late period?
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Describe the opening rhythm of Beethoven's Symphony No. 5.
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What is the name of Beethoven's Symphony No. 3? Who was it originally written in honor of?
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What were the three major things Beethoven composed after he went completely deaf?
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What are the characteristics of Classical Music?
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What were the typical components of an orchestra in the Classical Period?
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What is the rondo form?
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What is sonata rondo form?
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What is Beethoven's Symphony No. 5?
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What is Beethoven's Sonata Pathetique?
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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!