Music Appreciation Flashcards: Classical Era

Questions and Answers

The classical style emerged in the __________ century.

mid eighteenth

The classical style developed principally in?

Vienna

The rise of public concerts in the eighteenth century gave a special boost to the composition of?

orchestral music

The eighteenth century public concert included principally?

Symphonies and concertos Signup and view all the answers

The two descriptions applicable to most classical music are?

full of 'Natural' simplicity and pleasing variety Signup and view all the answers

What is true of the use of dynamics in the classical era?

Dynamics and gradual dynamic changes were specifically notated by composers Signup and view all the answers

The classical use of dynamics was reflected in the popularity of a new instrument, the _________ in the classical era.

Piano Signup and view all the answers

In the classical orchestra, the woodwind and brass instruments?

had clearly defined roles Signup and view all the answers

Which were sometimes included in classical symphonies?

Popular tones Signup and view all the answers

Which is true with regard to texture in classical music?

Compared to baroque composers, classical composers employed a delicate and unobtrusive sort of polyphony in their music. Signup and view all the answers

What was the result of the classical practice of using standard forms?

Forms provided a commonly understood frame of reference for appreciating music Signup and view all the answers

The first movement in most classical symphonies is generally?

a moderate or fast movement in sonata form that sometimes has a slow introduction Signup and view all the answers

The second movement in most classical symphonies is generally?

a slow movement with a quiet mood Signup and view all the answers

The third movement in classical symphonies is always?

a minuet and trio Signup and view all the answers

The last movement in most classical symphonies?

the fastest movement, in sonata or rondo form Signup and view all the answers

The slow movement of a classical instrumental work?

could be in any of a variety of classical forms Signup and view all the answers

Who composed Symphony No. 40 in G minor?

Mozart Signup and view all the answers

What condition did Beethoven have?

deafness Signup and view all the answers

Beethoven wrote music in both the _ style and the _ style.

classical and romantic Signup and view all the answers

Beethoven's performing instrument was the?

piano Signup and view all the answers

Scherzo means?

joke Signup and view all the answers

How many movements does a classical sonata generally have?

3 Signup and view all the answers

A string quartet consists of?

two violins, one viola, and one cello Signup and view all the answers

Who composed 'Ho capito'?

Mozart Signup and view all the answers

How many people are usually needed to play a classical sonata?

one or two Signup and view all the answers

In double exposition form?

there are two expositions first for the orchestra and second for the soloist with the orchestra Signup and view all the answers

The two French philosophers famously associated with the Enlightenment are?

Voltaire and Rousseau Signup and view all the answers

In the classical era, counterpoint was used to create and was often found in sections.

tension; development Signup and view all the answers

How might a classical composer help listeners become familiar with a theme in a composition?

repeating it right away Signup and view all the answers

Opera buffa refers to _______ opera.

Italian comic Signup and view all the answers

The woodwind section of a classical orchestra consisted of?

one of each: flute, oboe, clarinet, and bassoon Signup and view all the answers

The only one of Mozart's operas that was successful during his lifetime was?

The Magic Flute Signup and view all the answers

Haydn's last twelve symphonies, which included the three presented in this chapter are known as?

London symphonies Signup and view all the answers

Which dance types from the baroque suite survived into the classical era?

minuet Signup and view all the answers

What is true of most of Haydn's symphonies?

they include simple, good-humored melodies Signup and view all the answers

Another term for classical dance form is _________ form.

ternary Signup and view all the answers

What happens in a rondo?

one theme is repeated again and again, with contrasting episodes interspersed Signup and view all the answers

What political figure inspired Beethoven in composing the Eroica Symphony?

Napoleon Bonaparte Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Classical Music Overview

The classical style emerged in the mid 18th century, marking a shift in musical expression and structure.
Vienna was the principal center for the development of classical music, nurturing significant composers.

Influence of Public Concerts

The rise of public concerts in the 18th century significantly increased orchestral music composition, showcasing symphonies and concertos to wider audiences.

Characteristics of Classical Music

Common descriptors for most classical music include being full of "natural" simplicity and providing pleasing variety.
Dynamics played a crucial role; composers notated dynamic changes specifically, enhancing musical expression.
The popularity of the piano during this era reflected the evolving use of dynamics, offering new expressive possibilities.

Orchestral Structure

Woodwind and brass instruments in the classical orchestra had clearly defined roles, contributing to a structured sound.
Popular tones occasionally featured in classical symphonies, enriching the overall texture.

Textural Developments

Compared to Baroque compositions, classical composers employed a delicate and unobtrusive polyphonic texture, allowing for clearer musical lines.

Forms and Movements

Standard forms in classical music provided audiences a familiar framework for appreciation.
The first movement of classical symphonies typically follows sonata form, often starting with a slow introduction.
The second movement favors a slow, reflective mood, while the third is consistently a minuet and trio.
The finale usually features a fast-paced conclusion, employing either sonata or rondo form.

Significant Composers and Works

Mozart composed Symphony No. 40 in G minor and was known for operas such as "The Magic Flute."
Beethoven, who struggled with deafness, wrote in both classical and romantic styles and primarily performed on the piano.

Additional Musical Forms and Features

A classical sonata generally consists of three movements, while a string quartet includes two violins, one viola, and one cello.
The term "scherzo" translates to "joke," reflecting the playful nature of some movements.
Double exposition form involves an initial orchestral exposition followed by a soloist exposition.

Philosophical Context

The Enlightenment period was marked by influential thinkers such as Voltaire and Rousseau, whose ideas permeated artistic expressions.

Opera and Dance

Opera buffa refers to Italian comic opera, showcasing a lighter, humorous tone.
The woodwind section of a classical orchestra typically includes flute, oboe, clarinet, and bassoon, adding richness to orchestral textures.
The minuet dance type, originating in the Baroque suite, continued into the classical era as a popular form.

Haydn's Contributions

Haydn's last twelve symphonies, known as the London symphonies, are characterized by simple melodies and a good-humored spirit, contributing to his lasting legacy in classical music.

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Description

Test your knowledge of the classical music style and its historical context with these flashcards. Learn about the emergence of this genre in the mid-eighteenth century and its development in Vienna, as well as the rise of public concerts and orchestral music. These cards provide a concise overview of key concepts related to music appreciation.