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Questions and Answers
Who were two of the more important preclassical composers?
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?
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?
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?
What texture in music was most often used during the classical period?
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Political and economic power shifted to the middle class from what two powers?
Political and economic power shifted to the middle class from what two powers?
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In the exposition of a sonata form movement, is the second theme in the tonic or a new key?
In the exposition of a sonata form movement, is the second theme in the tonic or a new key?
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What is a coda?
What is a coda?
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Which movement of a sonata-type composition is often patterned after a dance?
Which movement of a sonata-type composition is often patterned after a dance?
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In varying the theme in a theme and variation form, what element is usually not changed?
In varying the theme in a theme and variation form, what element is usually not changed?
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Outline the structure of a rondo form.
Outline the structure of a rondo form.
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What is the usual order of movements in a classical symphony?
What is the usual order of movements in a classical symphony?
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Which movement of a symphony is most often lyrical and slow?
Which movement of a symphony is most often lyrical and slow?
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What is a concerto?
What is a concerto?
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What was the favorite solo instrument that Mozart and Beethoven wrote concertos for?
What was the favorite solo instrument that Mozart and Beethoven wrote concertos for?
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Know the typical sequence of movements for a classical concerto.
Know the typical sequence of movements for a classical concerto.
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How does the classical concerto differ from the symphony? Which movement does it not have?
How does the classical concerto differ from the symphony? Which movement does it not have?
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What is a cadenza?
What is a cadenza?
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What is classical chamber music designed for?
What is classical chamber music designed for?
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Was Haydn considered a skilled servant?
Was Haydn considered a skilled servant?
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What Hungarian family did Haydn have a long and financially stable relationship with?
What Hungarian family did Haydn have a long and financially stable relationship with?
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What did Mozart do between the ages of six and fifteen?
What did Mozart do between the ages of six and fifteen?
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Why did Mozart compose his Requiem?
Why did Mozart compose his Requiem?
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What are Mozart's three masterpieces of Italian opera?
What are Mozart's three masterpieces of Italian opera?
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Know important facts of Beethoven's life.
Know important facts of Beethoven's life.
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What is a piano sonata?
What is a piano sonata?
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What are Beethoven's late works that he composed after he was totally deaf?
What are Beethoven's late works that he composed after he was totally deaf?
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Classicism, as a stylistic period in western art music, roughly encompassed what years?
Classicism, as a stylistic period in western art music, roughly encompassed what years?
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The typical orchestra of the classical period consisted of what instruments?
The typical orchestra of the classical period consisted of what instruments?
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In the classical period, serious composition was flavored by what?
In the classical period, serious composition was flavored by what?
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The minuet is generally which movement of a classical symphony?
The minuet is generally which movement of a classical symphony?
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In many of Beethoven's works, there is what type of movement instead of the minuet?
In many of Beethoven's works, there is what type of movement instead of the minuet?
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What type of musical composition is usually light in mood and meant for evening entertainment?
What type of musical composition is usually light in mood and meant for evening entertainment?
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What is the most important form of classical chamber music?
What is the most important form of classical chamber music?
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Along with his symphonies, what are Haydn's most important works?
Along with his symphonies, what are Haydn's most important works?
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Mozart was born where?
Mozart was born where?
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Beethoven's only opera is entitled what?
Beethoven's only opera is entitled what?
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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.