Music Appreciation Classical Period Study Guide

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Questions and Answers

What are the dates of the Classical Period?

1750 to 1820

What was the Classical Era known as?

Age of Enlightenment

Why was the Classical Era known as the Age of Enlightenment?

Reason was the best way to guide human conduct

List some political events that were happening during the Classical Era.

Seven Years' War, the American and French Revolutions, and the Napoleonic Wars Signup and view all the answers

Who had the power during the Classical Period?

Middle class Signup and view all the answers

What were Classical composers mostly interested in?

Balance and clarity Signup and view all the answers

What instrument replaced the harpsichord?

Piano Signup and view all the answers

Why did the piano replace the harpsichord?

Musicians wanted an instrument that could play a gradual dynamic change by varying finger pressure on the keys Signup and view all the answers

Describe the orchestra of the Classical Period.

Standardized and had four sections Signup and view all the answers

List the instruments in the Classical string section of the orchestra.

1st violins, 2nd violins, violas, cellos, and double basses Signup and view all the answers

List the instruments in the woodwinds section of the Classical orchestra.

2 flutes, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, and 2 bassoons Signup and view all the answers

List the instruments in the brass section of the Classical orchestra.

2 French horns and 2 trumpets Signup and view all the answers

List the instruments in the percussion section of the Classical orchestra.

2 timpani Signup and view all the answers

Were trombones used in the Classical Orchestra?

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

List the four parts of the Sonata Form.

Exposition, development, recapitulation, and coda Signup and view all the answers

Describe what happens in the exposition.

Tonic theme, bridge, 2nd theme in new key, and closing section in key of 2nd theme Signup and view all the answers

Describe what happens in the development section of the sonata.

New treatment of themes Signup and view all the answers

Describe what happens in the recapitulation.

Stuff from beginning is brought back, tonic theme, bridge, 2nd theme in tonic key, closing section in tonic key Signup and view all the answers

Describe what happens in the coda in sonata form.

In tonic key Signup and view all the answers

What is a movement that is ABACABA?

Rondo form Signup and view all the answers

What is a movement that is in ABA form and is often used as the third movement in symphonies?

Minuet and trio/minuet Signup and view all the answers

What is a work for an instrumental soloist and orchestra called?

Classical concerto Signup and view all the answers

What was the greatest contribution to instrumental music from the Classical Period?

Classical symphony Signup and view all the answers

Who was a pioneer in the development of the symphony and string quartet and wrote a concerto for the newly developed keyed trumpet?

Joseph Haydn Signup and view all the answers

Who was one of the most prolific composers that ever lived, and began as an amazing child prodigy?

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Signup and view all the answers

When did Joseph Haydn live?

1732 to 1809 Signup and view all the answers

When did Mozart live?

1756 to 1791 Signup and view all the answers

When did Beethoven live?

1770 to 1827 Signup and view all the answers

Who was diagnosed with hearing loss at age 29 and became deaf by the end of his life?

Ludwig Van Beethoven Signup and view all the answers

Describe Joseph Haydn's life.

Born in Austria in 1732 and lived till 1809. He was a choir boy in Vienna at 8, but was kicked out when his voice changed. Haydn also enjoyed playing the violin. He was hired by the Ester Hazy family, a Hungarian noble family, and worked 30 years for them. In the 1790s he went to London and created 12 symphonies called the 'London Symphonies' that made him wealthy. Haydn was a master of developing themes, wrote 104 symphonies, 68 string quartets, a trumpet concerto, and optimistic sounding music. He also taught Beethoven in Vienna. Haydn was a servant. Signup and view all the answers

Describe Mozart's life.

Mozart lived from 1756 to 1791. He was a child prodigy, wrote minuets at 6, his first symphony at 8, oratorio at 11, and opera at 12. His father Leopold was a musician so music ran in the family. Mozart went to Vienna and was successful there. He wrote the Marriage of Figaro, Don Giovanni, the Magic Flute, and Cosi Fan Tutte. Mozart's final piece was a Requiem that he wrote while he was dying. His popularity faded after his death because people thought his music was too complex. Mozart wrote for all forms/genres and was extremely versatile. He composed everything from piano concertos to comedic operas, and his music was perfectly balanced. Signup and view all the answers

Describe Beethoven's life.

Ludwig Van Beethoven lived from 1770 to 1827 and was the highest level of musical genius up to this point. He was born in Germany to a family of musicians. Beethoven became an organist at 11, wrote piano compositions at 12, played for Mozart at 16, and studied under Haydn in Vienna at 22. He composed 32 piano sonatas and is known mainly for his instrumental music. At 29, Beethoven began losing his hearing and later lost his ability to perform in public. He wrote 9 symphonies total, the last 6 after he started losing his hearing. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the difference in mood between Baroque and Classical music.

Baroque music had only one mood per piece, while Classical music had multiple Signup and view all the answers

Describe the difference in rhythm between Baroque and Classical music.

Classical music had a flexible rhythm, while Baroque music had a strict and concrete rhythm Signup and view all the answers

Describe the difference in texture between Baroque and Classical music.

Classical music had a homophonic texture, while Baroque music had a polyphonic texture Signup and view all the answers

Describe the difference in melody between Baroque and Classical music.

Classical music had melodies that were balanced, symmetrical, and easy to remember. Baroque music had melodies that were unbalanced and difficult to remember Signup and view all the answers

Describe the difference in dynamics between Baroque and Classical music.

Classical music had crescendos/decrescendos, while Baroque music had terraced dynamics Signup and view all the answers

A typical symphony has how many movements?

4 Signup and view all the answers

List the type of movements that a typical symphony has.

Fast, slow, dance, and fast Signup and view all the answers

Define theme and variations.

A basic musical idea in which different arrangements are repeated in different ways Signup and view all the answers

List four of Mozart's most famous operas.

The Marriage of Figaro, Don Giovanni, the Magic Flute, and Cosi Fan Tutte Signup and view all the answers

What are some of Beethoven's most famous works?

Piano sonatas and 9 symphonies Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

Classical Period Overview

Dates: 1750 to 1820
Also known as the Age of Enlightenment, emphasizing reason as a guide for human conduct.

Political Context

Significant events: Seven Years' War, American Revolution, French Revolution, Napoleonic Wars.
Power shifted to the middle class during this period.

Musical Characteristics

Composers focused on balance and clarity in music.
The piano replaced the harpsichord due to its ability to play dynamic variations.

Orchestra Structure

The Classical orchestra was standardized into four sections: strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion.
String section included: 1st violins, 2nd violins, violas, cellos, double basses.
Woodwinds comprised: 2 flutes, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons.
Brass section had: 2 French horns, 2 trumpets.
Percussion section featured: 2 timpani.
Trombones were not commonly used, reserved for church and opera music.

Sonata Form

Consists of four parts: exposition, development, recapitulation, and coda.
Exposition: Introduction of themes in the tonic and new keys.
Development: Varied treatment of themes.
Recapitulation: Return to original themes and tonic key.
Coda: Concludes the piece, remains in the tonic key.

Musical Forms

Rondo Form: Structure can be described as ABACABA.
Minuet and Trio: Follows ABA structure, often a symphonic third movement.

Instrumental Works

A 'Classical concerto' features a soloist with orchestral accompaniment.
The Classical symphony is regarded as the greatest contribution to instrumental music during this time.

Influential Composers

Joseph Haydn: Known for developing the symphony and string quartet; lived from 1732 to 1809; composed 104 symphonies and numerous string quartets.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Prolific composer; lived from 1756 to 1791; wrote operas such as The Marriage of Figaro and Don Giovanni. Renowned for versatility across genres.
Ludwig Van Beethoven: Lived from 1770 to 1827; experienced deafness but composed nine symphonies and numerous piano sonatas despite his condition.

Life and Contributions of Composers

Haydn was a servant to the Esterházy family and became wealthy after his London Symphonies.
Mozart was a child prodigy, showcasing musical talent from an early age; his last work was a Requiem, completed while he was terminally ill.
Beethoven's genius is marked by his early compositions and impact on subsequent music, including his famous piano sonatas.

Musical Differences: Baroque vs. Classical

Mood: Baroque music had a single mood; Classical music featured multiple moods.
Rhythm: Baroque music followed a strict rhythm; Classical music had a flexible approach.
Texture: Classical music predominantly exhibited homophonic textures, contrasting with the polyphonic textures typical of Baroque music.
Melody: Classical melodies were balanced and memorable, unlike the often complex melodies of the Baroque period.
Dynamics: Classical music utilized crescendos and decrescendos, whereas Baroque music was characterized by terraced dynamics.

Symphony Structure

A typical symphony consists of four movements: fast, slow, dance, and fast.

Musical Concepts

Theme and Variations: A basic musical idea that is repeated with different arrangements.

Mozart's Notable Operas

Famous operas include The Marriage of Figaro, Don Giovanni, The Magic Flute, and Cosi Fan Tutte.

Beethoven's Renowned Works

Notable for his piano sonatas and his nine symphonies, which demonstrate his innovative contributions to music.

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