MUS 1030 Chapter 18 Flashcards & Quiz on Genres

Questions and Answers

What is the correct definition of 'symphonic (tone) poem'?

A one-movement work for orchestra that gives musical expression to the emotions and events associated with a story, play, political event, or personal experience.

What is meant by 'diminution'?

A reduction, usually by half, of all the rhythmic durations in a melody.

What is an 'ophicleide'?

An early form of the tuba.

Identify the incorrect statement about Berlioz's 'idée fixe.'

It is always played by the oboe. Signup and view all the answers

What is program music?

A piece of instrumental music, usually for symphony orchestra, that seeks to re-create in sound the events and emotions portrayed in some extramusical source. Signup and view all the answers

What is a correct description of 'absolute music'?

Instrumental music free of a text or any preexisting program. Signup and view all the answers

Which instrument is a low oboe?

English horn. Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct definition of 'col legno'?

Striking the strings with the wood of the bow rather than with the horsehair. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the Dies irae?

Used in music and movies to suggest scenes of horror. Signup and view all the answers

In the eighteenth century, ballet was seen as too frivolous a spectacle to be in the same program as an opera seria.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the cornet?

A brass instrument with valves, most often used in military bands. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about Berlioz's family background and education is INCORRECT?

He met his future wife while studying piano with her father. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about Berlioz is most accurate?

Local tutors taught him to play the flute and guitar, but he never learned to play the piano proficiently. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about Berlioz is NOT accurate?

As a young man, he spent six years traveling across Europe, where he met the great artists and authors of his day. Signup and view all the answers

In The Nutcracker, how does Tchaikovsky evoke the dancing shepherds that young Clara encounters in China?

The flutes play the melody. Signup and view all the answers

Which composer is notable for resisting the allure of program music?

Brahms. Signup and view all the answers

Musical nationalism was expressed through:

Victory symphonies. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following typically did NOT convey national color in music?

Major and minor scales Signup and view all the answers

Which country was one of the first to develop its own national style of art music that was distinct from the European tradition?

Russia. Signup and view all the answers

Which country's traditions of orchestral music dominated instrumental composition during the nineteenth century?

Germany. Signup and view all the answers

Who is considered the most original composer of the Russian Five?

Musorgsky. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Promenade theme in Picture?

The Promenade theme serves as a recurring motif that represents the viewer's journey through the scenes. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Definitions and Terminology

Symphonic (Tone) Poem: A one-movement orchestral work expressing emotions and events related to a story, play, or personal experience.
Diminution: A technique involving a reduction of all rhythmic durations in a melody, typically by half.
Ophicleide: An early brass instrument, a precursor to the tuba.
Idée Fixe: A recurring theme in Berlioz's music, associated with "the beloved," altered in each movement of "Symphonie fantastique," but not always played by the oboe.
Program Music: Instrumental music designed to evoke imagery or emotions from an external source such as a story or historical event.
Absolute Music: Instrumental music that is independent of any narrative or program.

Instruments and Their Characteristics

English Horn: A low oboe characterized by a rich and mellow tone.
Cornet: A brass instrument with valves, commonly found in military bands.
Col Legno: A string technique where the bow strikes the strings with its wood rather than the horsehair.

Historical Insights

Dies Irae: A medieval burial hymn from the thirteenth century, often used in music and film to invoke horror, and treated irreverently in "Symphonie fantastique."
Ballet and Opera Seria: In the eighteenth century, ballet was not considered too frivolous to be paired with opera seria; that perception is incorrect.
Berlioz's Education: Lacked early musical training and met his future wife while not studying piano with her father; he was primarily educated in sciences and literature.

Berlioz's Contributions and Character

Orchestration: Noted for his innovative use of instruments, favoring large orchestras and experimenting with new sounds.
Influence on Music: Wrote an important treatise on instrumentation still referenced in conservatories today.
Travel and Recognition: Despite traveling across Europe, his music initially received little appreciation in France.

Musical Nationalism and Style

Expression of Nationalism: Expressed through national anthems, native dances, protest songs, and victory symphonies.
Non-Conveyance of National Color: Major and minor scales generally do not convey national identity, unlike folksongs and dance rhythms.
Distinct National Styles: Russia was among the first to develop a unique national style in art music, diverging from European traditions.

Notable Composers

Brahms: Known for resisting program music, focusing instead on traditional forms.
Musorgsky: Considered the most original member of the Russian Five, contributing significantly to the development of national music styles.

Contextual Musical Analysis

Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker": Uses flutes to represent the exotic dancing shepherds in China, showcasing the ability to create vivid musical imagery.

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Description

Test your knowledge with these flashcards from MUS 1030 Part 5, Chapter 18. This chapter covers important terms and definitions related to orchestral music, including symphonic poems and musical techniques. Perfect for students looking to reinforce their understanding of key concepts in music theory.