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Questions and Answers
What are the dates of the Classical Period?
What are the dates of the Classical Period?
-1750 to 1820
Which of the following is a definition of Classical Music?
Which of the following is a definition of Classical Music?
What does the term 'Classical Period' imply?
What does the term 'Classical Period' imply?
A model of excellence and a superior example in music composition.
What was Rococo a transition between?
What was Rococo a transition between?
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What is the Classical Era also known as?
What is the Classical Era also known as?
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What was Haydn's role in the court system?
What was Haydn's role in the court system?
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What distinguishes Mozart's career in the music industry?
What distinguishes Mozart's career in the music industry?
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What type of musician was Beethoven?
What type of musician was Beethoven?
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How did opera change during the Classical Period?
How did opera change during the Classical Period?
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What significant change occurred regarding public concerts?
What significant change occurred regarding public concerts?
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Which city was a major music center during the Classical Period?
Which city was a major music center during the Classical Period?
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Which events were significant in history during the Classical Period? (Select all that apply)
Which events were significant in history during the Classical Period? (Select all that apply)
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How was rhythm characterized during the Classical Period?
How was rhythm characterized during the Classical Period?
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What was the predominant texture of music in the Classical Period?
What was the predominant texture of music in the Classical Period?
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What was a key feature of melody in the Classical Period?
What was a key feature of melody in the Classical Period?
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What are cadences in music?
What are cadences in music?
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How did dynamics change in the Classical Period?
How did dynamics change in the Classical Period?
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What were the main components of the orchestra during the Classical Period?
What were the main components of the orchestra during the Classical Period?
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What characterized the Symphony of the Classical Era?
What characterized the Symphony of the Classical Era?
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What was the typical structure of a concerto in the Classical Period?
What was the typical structure of a concerto in the Classical Period?
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How does Sonata Form in a concerto differ from that in a symphony?
How does Sonata Form in a concerto differ from that in a symphony?
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What is a cadenza?
What is a cadenza?
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Study Notes
Dates of the Classical Period
- Spanned from 1750 to 1820.
Definition of Classical Music
- Encompasses all music that is not rock, jazz, folk, or pop.
Characteristics of the Classical Period
- "Classical" signifies a model of excellence and a superior example.
- Music set standards for future compositions.
Rococo Style
- Transition between Baroque and Classical periods.
- Initiated in French decorative art; characterized by softer lines.
- Reaction against the elaborate Baroque style, leading to simpler and more understandable musical structures.
Classical Era Overview
- Known as the "Age of Enlightenment."
- Emphasized rational and humanitarian ideals.
- Promoted cultural accessibility to the middle class, asserting equality among social classes.
- Focused on art for entertainment rather than just for the elite.
Careers of Notable Composers
- Haydn worked as a hired servant in the court system.
- Mozart initially involved in court work but later became an independent musician.
- Beethoven operated solely as an independent musician.
Evolution of Opera
- Shifted from serious themes to comedic representation.
- Focused on middle-class subjects and real-life situations.
- Increased use of native languages and incorporation of spoken dialogue.
Public Concerts
- Transitioned from exclusive aristocratic courts to public orchestras, enhancing the importance of instrumental music.
Vienna, Austria
- Recognized as a major music center in Europe during the Classical Period.
Historical Context
- Coincided with the American and French Revolutions, Napoleonic Wars, Declaration of Independence (1776), discovery of electricity, and invention of the steam engine.
Rhythm Characteristics
- Featured more flexible and varied rhythms.
- Included frequent changes, unpredictable patterns, unexpected pauses, and contrasts.
Texture in Music
- Predominantly homophonic textures, with occasional use of other textures for variety.
Melody Attributes
- Simple and memorable melodies with clear phrases and balanced cadences.
Understanding Cadences
- Serve as resting points at the end of phrases, providing a sense of closure.
Dynamics in Music
- Incorporated gradual changes using terms like crescendo and decrescendo.
- The invention of the piano allowed for greater flexibility in dynamics compared to the harpsichord.
Orchestration in the Classical Period
- Comprised strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion, with each group taking on more independent roles.
Symphony Structure
- Central orchestral music format standardized into a four-movement structure:
- Fast (Sonata Form)
- Slow (Theme and Variations)
- Dance-related (Minuet & Trio or Scherzo)
- Fast (Rondo or Sonata Form)
Concerto Characteristics
- Focused mainly on solo concertos, highlighting soloists as virtuosos.
- Typically followed a three-movement structure:
- Fast (Sonata Form)
- Slow
- Fast
Sonata Form in Concertos
- Utilized Double Exposition, where the orchestra presents the first exposition followed by the soloist.
- Featured Cadenzas that allowed soloists to improvise and showcase their technical skills.
Cadenza Description
- A break where soloists improvise to demonstrate virtuosity, sometimes incorporating theme fragments alongside demanding passages.
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Description
Explore the essential terms and definitions of the Classical Period in music through these flashcards. You'll learn about the timeline, characteristics, and significance of this influential era. Perfect for music students and enthusiasts alike!
