Music Appreciation - Classical Quiz

Questions and Answers

Who were two of the more important preclassical composers?

C.P.E. and J.C. Bach

During the classical period, what was serious composition flavored by?

Folk and popular music

What are the characteristics of the music of the classical period?

Not polyphonic, contrast of mood, flexibility of rhythm

What texture in music was most often used during the classical period?

Mostly Homophonic, but with frequent shifts Signup and view all the answers

Political and economic power shifted to the middle class from what two powers?

The aristocracy and church Signup and view all the answers

In the exposition of a sonata form movement, is the second theme in the tonic or a new key?

New key Signup and view all the answers

What is a coda?

Rounds off a movement by repeating themes or developing them further. It always ends in the tonic key. Signup and view all the answers

Which movement of a sonata-type composition is often patterned after a dance?

3rd Signup and view all the answers

In varying the theme in a theme and variation form, what element is usually not changed?

Length Signup and view all the answers

Outline the structure of a rondo form.

ABACA Signup and view all the answers

What is the usual order of movements in a classical symphony?

2nd Slow—often Sonata form, sometimes Theme and Variations Signup and view all the answers

Which movement of a symphony is most often lyrical and slow?

2nd Slow Signup and view all the answers

What is a concerto?

A classical concerto is a three-movement work for an instrumental soloist and orchestra. Signup and view all the answers

What was the favorite solo instrument that Mozart and Beethoven wrote concertos for?

Piano Signup and view all the answers

Know the typical sequence of movements for a classical concerto.

Usually three movements: Fast—Slow—Fast (no Minuet movement) Signup and view all the answers

How does the classical concerto differ from the symphony? Which movement does it not have?

Only 3 movements (symphony has 4) and has no 3rd movement (no minuet or scherzo) Signup and view all the answers

What is a cadenza?

A special unaccompanied showpiece for the soloist Signup and view all the answers

What is classical chamber music designed for?

The intimate setting of a room, rather than concert hall; it is lighter in sound than classical orchestral music Signup and view all the answers

Was Haydn considered a skilled servant?

True Signup and view all the answers

What Hungarian family did Haydn have a long and financially stable relationship with?

Esterhazy Signup and view all the answers

What did Mozart do between the ages of six and fifteen?

Continually on tour Signup and view all the answers

Why did Mozart compose his Requiem?

Commission from a stranger Signup and view all the answers

What are Mozart's three masterpieces of Italian opera?

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

Know important facts of Beethoven's life.

Brilliant pianist, self-educated, had read widely, but was weak in elementary arithmetic, symptoms of deaf at 29 Signup and view all the answers

What is a piano sonata?

A musical composition in two or more movements Signup and view all the answers

What are Beethoven's late works that he composed after he was totally deaf?

Late piano sonatas, string quartets, Missa Solemnis, and the 9th symphony Signup and view all the answers

Classicism, as a stylistic period in western art music, roughly encompassed what years?

1750-1820 Signup and view all the answers

The typical orchestra of the classical period consisted of what instruments?

Strings: 1st & 2nd violins, violas, cellos, double bass; Woodwinds: @2 - flutes, oboes, clarinets, bassoons; Brass: @2 - French horns, trumpets; Percussion - 2 timpani Signup and view all the answers

In the classical period, serious composition was flavored by what?

Folk and popular music Signup and view all the answers

The minuet is generally which movement of a classical symphony?

3rd Signup and view all the answers

In many of Beethoven's works, there is what type of movement instead of the minuet?

Scherzo Signup and view all the answers

What type of musical composition is usually light in mood and meant for evening entertainment?

Serenade Signup and view all the answers

What is the most important form of classical chamber music?

String quartet, 2 violins, viola, and cello, four movements (like symphony) usually Fast—Slow—Dance—Fast Signup and view all the answers

Along with his symphonies, what are Haydn's most important works?

68 string quartets Signup and view all the answers

Mozart was born where?

Salzburg, Austria Signup and view all the answers

Beethoven's only opera is entitled what?

Fidelio Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Pre-Classical Composers

Important pre-classical composers include C.P.E. Bach and J.C. Bach.

Classical Composition Influences

Serious compositions during the classical period were influenced by folk and popular music.

Characteristics of Classical Music

Classical music is defined by contrast of mood, flexibility of rhythm, and a non-polyphonic texture.

Musical Texture

Predominantly homophonic texture, with frequent shifts occurring throughout compositions.

Power Dynamics

The political and economic power shifted from the aristocracy and church to the middle class.

Sonata Form

In sonata form, the second theme is introduced in a new key during the exposition.

Coda Definition

A coda serves to conclude a movement, often repeating or developing themes, and always ends in the tonic key.

Movements in Sonata-Type Compositions

The third movement of a sonata-type composition often takes the form of a dance.

Theme and Variation Form

In theme and variation form, the length of the theme typically remains unchanged during variations.

Rondo Form Structure

The basic outline of rondo form is represented as ABACA.

Classical Symphony Movements

A typical classical symphony consists of four movements:
- Fast (often in sonata form)
- Slow (frequently in sonata form or theme and variations)
- Dance (Minuet and Trio or scherzo)
- Fast (in sonata or rondo form)

Lyrical Symphony Movement

The second movement of a symphony is generally the most lyrical and slow.

Definition of a Concerto

A classical concerto is a three-movement work for solo instrumentalist and orchestra.

Favorite Concerto Instrument

Mozart and Beethoven often wrote concertos for the piano.

Concerto Movement Sequence

The typical sequence for a classical concerto is Fast—Slow—Fast, without a Minuet movement.

Differences Between Concerto and Symphony

A concerto has only three movements and lacks a third movement (minuet or scherzo) found in symphonies.

Cadenza Explanation

A cadenza is an unaccompanied showpiece highlighting the soloist's skill.

Chamber Music Setting

Classical chamber music is designed for intimate settings, featuring lighter sounds than orchestral music.

Haydn's Status

Haydn was recognized as a skilled servant within his professional context.

Haydn's Relationship with Esterhazy Family

Haydn maintained a long and financially stable relationship with the Esterhazy family.

Mozart's Early Career

Mozart was continuously on tour from ages six to fifteen.

Composition of Requiem

Mozart's Requiem was composed as a commission from a stranger.

Mozart's Operatic Masterpieces

Three significant operas by Mozart include "The Marriage of Figaro," "Don Giovanni," and "Cosi Fan Tutte."

Facts About Beethoven

Beethoven was a brilliant pianist, self-educated, and suffered from deafness symptoms starting at age 29.

Definition of Piano Sonata

A piano sonata is a musical composition typically consisting of two or more movements.

Beethoven's Late Works

After losing his hearing, Beethoven produced late piano sonatas, string quartets, "Missa Solemnis," and the 9th Symphony.

Period of Classicism

Classicism in western art music spanned approximately from 1750 to 1820.

Typical Classical Orchestra

A classical orchestra included:
- Strings: 1st & 2nd violins, violas, cellos, double bass
- Woodwinds: 2 flutes, oboes, clarinets, bassoons
- Brass: 2 French horns, trumpets
- Percussion: 2 timpani

Minuet Movement in Symphony

The minuet typically serves as the third movement in a classical symphony.

Beethoven's Movement Replacements

Many of Beethoven's works feature a scherzo movement instead of a minuet.

Serenade Definition

A serenade is light in mood and intended for evening entertainment.

Importance of String Quartet

The string quartet, consisting of two violins, viola, and cello, is the most important form of classical chamber music, usually featuring four movements.

Haydn's Significant Works

Alongside his symphonies, Haydn composed 68 string quartets, marking them as significant works.

Mozart's Birthplace

Mozart was born in Salzburg, Austria.

Beethoven's Only Opera

Beethoven's only opera is titled "Fidelio."

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Description

Test your knowledge of important composers and characteristics of classical music with this engaging quiz. Explore key concepts and definitions related to the classical period's unique musical style and influences. Perfect for students of music appreciation.