Podcast
Questions and Answers
Music of the ____________ ___ (1750 - 1820)
Music of the ____________ ___ (1750 - 1820)
Classical era
What did Christoph Gluck contribute to opera?
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?
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 _____________.
It was the age of the _____________.
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What is typically meant by 'classical music'?
What is typically meant by 'classical music'?
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The German composer Franz Joseph _______ (1732 - 1809)
The German composer Franz Joseph _______ (1732 - 1809)
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Haydn wrote more than __ symphonies.
Haydn wrote more than __ symphonies.
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What was the 'Surprise' Symphony?
What was the 'Surprise' Symphony?
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Composers create surprise in music by shifting quickly from slow to fast or from soft to loud in an instant.
Composers create surprise in music by shifting quickly from slow to fast or from soft to loud in an instant.
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Haydn holds off on the rest of the louder chords until about __ seconds into the piece.
Haydn holds off on the rest of the louder chords until about __ seconds into the piece.
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This theme can be divided into two-________ pieces.
This theme can be divided into two-________ pieces.
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The first four ________ form the first ______ while the second four ________ form the second ______.
The first four ________ form the first ______ while the second four ________ form the second ______.
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Together, these two ______ make up a _________.
Together, these two ______ make up a _________.
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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.
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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.
