Music 1100: Chapter 1 - The Classical Style

Questions and Answers

In a classical era work for orchestra or string quartet, the tempos of the four movements typically followed which of the following patterns?

Fast, slow, dance-related, fast (correct)

Slow, slow, fast, moderate

Moderate, fast, slow, slow

Fast, fast, slow, fast

Why did the piano replace the harpsichord?

The piano could play gradual changes in dynamics, which composers liked.

Who were the three master composers of the Classical Era?

Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven

Which best describes the balance and symmetry in a typical melody of the classical era having the form a a'?

Two phrases of the same length, one with an inconclusive ending followed by a similar one with a conclusive ending. Signup and view all the answers

What is one reason that Bass Continuo became obsolete during the classical era?

More and more music was written for amateurs who could not master the difficult art of improvising from a figured bass. Signup and view all the answers

Which descriptions accurately portray the orchestra of the Classical period?

It consisted of string, wind, brass, and percussion instruments. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of the Classical Style?

Flexibility of Rhythm Signup and view all the answers

The element of music that refers to the loudness or softness of a sound is?

Dynamics Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describe the texture of music of the Classical Period in contrast to that of the Baroque Period?

Classical pieces can shift flexibility from one texture to another. Signup and view all the answers

Which descriptions are general characteristics of Melody in the music of the classical era?

Tuneful Signup and view all the answers

Which are characteristics of Rhythm in music of the classical era?

Classical music had changes in rhythm within a movement. Signup and view all the answers

Describe MOOD in Classical-era music, particularly in contrast to Baroque music?

A classical era movement had contrasts within themes, fluctuating from dramatic to carefree moods. Signup and view all the answers

TRUE or FALSE: Unlike earlier composers, classical composers did not readily substitute one type of instrument for another, such as an oboe for a violin.

False Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following were the standard groups of instruments in the orchestra of Haydn or Mozart?

Woodwinds Signup and view all the answers

Late Baroque music was _ texture while classical music was ___ texture.

polyphonic, homophonic Signup and view all the answers

What are the usual functions of instrumental sections in the orchestra of the classical era?

The woodwinds provide tone colors that contrasted with that of the violins and even played the melody; the first violins usually played the melody, and the lower strings played the accompaniment; the French horns and trumpets strengthened loud passages but could play more quietly to fill out the harmony. Signup and view all the answers

Which was one of the ways in which composers of the Classical era achieved more expression in their music?

By using crescendos and decrescendos, or gradual change in volume. Signup and view all the answers

What instruments make up a string quartet?

Two violins, one viola, one cello Signup and view all the answers

How did classical composers create expression of mood in their music?

The composers firmly controlled changes of mood in their music, however abrupt or extreme the change might be, and emphasized balance through unity and logic in music with a wide emotional range. Signup and view all the answers

How did classical composers create expression of mood in their music?

Study Notes

Classical Era Characteristics

Four-movement orchestral works typically follow a tempo sequence of fast, slow, dance-related, and fast.
The piano's ability to vary dynamics through finger pressure led to its replacement of the harpsichord.

Key Composers

The three master composers of the Classical Era are Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven.

Melody and Structure

A typical melody features balance and symmetry, often structured in two phrases: one inconclusive followed by a conclusive phrase (form a a').
Classical melodies are easy to remember, tuneful, and often reflect folk or popular styles.

Orchestra and Instrumentation

The orchestra during the Classical period included strings, winds, brass, and percussion, with the clarinet becoming more prominent.
Standard orchestral groups in compositions by Haydn or Mozart consisted of strings, woodwinds, and brass instruments.

Texture and Rhythm

Music from the Classical Period typically exhibits homophonic texture, contrasting with the polyphonic texture common in the late Baroque.
Rhythmic characteristics include flexibility, unexpected pauses, syncopations, and varying patterns within movements.

Mood and Expression

Classical music is marked by contrasts in mood, oscillating between dramatic and carefree. Composers controlled mood changes, emphasizing unity and logic across wide emotional ranges.
Composers achieved expressive dynamics using techniques like crescendos and decrescendos.

Instrument Functions

In Classical orchestras, woodwinds provided contrasting tone colors and often played melodies, while strings supplied accompaniment. Brass instruments like French horns and trumpets enhanced loud passages.

Obsolescence of Bass Continuo

The obsolescence of the bass continuo arose from a shift towards music for amateurs who struggled with figured bass improvisation.

String Quartet Composition

A string quartet is comprised of two violins, one viola, and one cello, highlighting the ensemble's harmonic richness in Classical music.

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Description

Test your knowledge of the classical style of music with this quiz based on Music 1100, Chapter 1. Explore key concepts such as tempo patterns and the evolution of musical instruments. Perfect for students looking to reinforce their understanding of classical music elements.

Music 1100: Chapter 1 - The Classical Style

Questions and Answers

In a classical era work for orchestra or string quartet, the tempos of the four movements typically followed which of the following patterns?

Why did the piano replace the harpsichord?

Who were the three master composers of the Classical Era?

Which best describes the balance and symmetry in a typical melody of the classical era having the form a a'?

What is one reason that Bass Continuo became obsolete during the classical era?

Which descriptions accurately portray the orchestra of the Classical period?

What is a characteristic of the Classical Style?

The element of music that refers to the loudness or softness of a sound is?

Which of the following accurately describe the texture of music of the Classical Period in contrast to that of the Baroque Period?

Which descriptions are general characteristics of Melody in the music of the classical era?

Which are characteristics of Rhythm in music of the classical era?

Describe MOOD in Classical-era music, particularly in contrast to Baroque music?

TRUE or FALSE: Unlike earlier composers, classical composers did not readily substitute one type of instrument for another, such as an oboe for a violin.

Which of the following were the standard groups of instruments in the orchestra of Haydn or Mozart?

Late Baroque music was _ texture while classical music was ___ texture.

What are the usual functions of instrumental sections in the orchestra of the classical era?

Which was one of the ways in which composers of the Classical era achieved more expression in their music?

What instruments make up a string quartet?

How did classical composers create expression of mood in their music?

How did classical composers create expression of mood in their music?