Classical Music Terminology Flashcards

The Classical Era

• Defined as the period when "classic" works of standard repertory emerged, notably between 1750 and 1830.
• Prominent composers of this era include Haydn, Beethoven, and Mozart.

Terminology Confusion

• The term "classical music" often encompasses works from the sixteenth to nineteenth centuries, merging different styles and eras into one label.

Specific and General Use of "Classical"

• "Classical" music relates specifically to works from the Classical period but is also used broadly for music from various historical contexts influenced by classical composers.

New Musical Forms

• Significant forms developed during this era include the sonata and symphony, which played a crucial role in the evolution of Western music.

Cultural Influences

• The Classical period drew inspiration from societal changes, cultural movements, and ancient civilizations.

Age of Enlightenment

• The Classical music period overlaps with the Age of Enlightenment, emphasizing reason, science, and questioning of traditional norms.

Social Ideals

• A push for greater equality in society emerged from this movement, advocating for broader public participation in governance.

Characteristics of Classical Music

• The Viennese School is central to Classical music, referring to the influential works and composers from Vienna, Austria.

Vienna as a Cultural Melting Pot

• Vienna fostered collaboration among composers, with Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven significantly contributing to its musical landscape.

Musical Simplicity

• Classical music is characterized as "down to earth," aiming for beauty through simplicity and balance.

Accessibility of Music

• Composers intended their music to be appreciated by individuals without formal training, promoting widespread enjoyment and understanding.

Sound Characteristics

• Classical music is described as lighter and more balanced compared to the Baroque period, featuring homophony and less ornamentation, while also incorporating contrasts.

Shift in Composer Support

• During the Baroque period, composers were reliant on patrons and local musicians; this shifted in the Classical period as composers sought skilled musicians in urban centers like Vienna.

Growth of Instrumentation

• The Classical era marked the rise in popularity of instrumental music, including full sections of woodwind, brass, and string instruments in orchestras.

Sonata Form

• Sonata form consists of three sections in an ABA structure, prominently utilized by composers such as Haydn and Mozart.

Main Parts of Sonata Form

• Exposition introduces musical themes and key relations, likened to characters in a narrative.
• Development elaborates on the themes, fostering tension and variability, contributing to a dynamic listening experience.