Questions and Answers
Music of the ____________ ___ (1750 - 1820)
Classical era
What did Christoph Gluck contribute to opera?
He took the excess out of opera with his beautiful Orfeo ed Euridice.
What did Beethoven and Mozart contribute to classical music?
Mozart matured the classical symphony and Beethoven brought music to the brink of Romanticism.
It was the age of the _____________.
Signup and view all the answers
What is typically meant by 'classical music'?
Signup and view all the answers
The German composer Franz Joseph _______ (1732 - 1809)
Signup and view all the answers
Haydn wrote more than __ symphonies.
Signup and view all the answers
What was the 'Surprise' Symphony?
Signup and view all the answers
Composers create surprise in music by shifting quickly from slow to fast or from soft to loud in an instant.
Signup and view all the answers
Haydn holds off on the rest of the louder chords until about __ seconds into the piece.
Signup and view all the answers
This theme can be divided into two-________ pieces.
Signup and view all the answers
The first four ________ form the first ______ while the second four ________ form the second ______.
Signup and view all the answers
Together, these two ______ make up a _________.
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Classical Era Overview
- The Classical era (1750 - 1820) emphasized balance, structure, and restraint in music, moving away from the ornate Baroque style.
- Composers sought simplification and reform, focusing on clear musical structures.
Key Composers and Works
- Christoph Gluck's opera "Orfeo ed Euridice" (1762) marked a shift from excess in opera.
- Joseph Haydn is known for defining Classical elegance through clear, tonal melodies.
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart advanced the symphony and opera during this period.
- Ludwig van Beethoven pushed musical boundaries towards Romanticism.
Enlightenment Influence
- The Enlightenment period celebrated individual rights and freedoms, influencing composers like Mozart and Beethoven, who resisted noble control in music.
- Jean-Jacques Rousseau's "Social Contract" expressed ideas of personal freedom and societal change, paralleling the artistic developments of the time.
Characteristics of Classical Music
- Classical music often references Western art music; the period aligns with a revival of Greek ideals, emphasizing emotional restraint, objectivity, and clarity.
- The term "classic music" reflects these elements of the Classical era.
Franz Joseph Haydn's Legacy
- Haydn (1732 - 1809) had a significant career at the Esterhazy estate, but got his big break when invited to London by concert promoter J.P. Salomon in 1792.
- With over 90 symphonies composed, Haydn often played with expectations, such as in the "Farewell" Symphony where he subtly hinted to his prince about needing a break.
Musical Surprises by Haydn
- The "Surprise" Symphony features an unexpected loud chord in the second movement, showcasing Haydn's creativity in manipulating audience expectations.
- Composers create surprise through changes in tempo or dynamics, enhancing listener engagement.
Structure of Themes
- Themes can be broken into measures and phrases, exemplifying balance. In classical structure, two phrases form a period, contributing to overall theme symmetry.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your knowledge of the Classical era in music with these flashcards. Explore the key characteristics and composers that defined the period from 1750 to 1820. Ideal for students learning about music history and structure.
