Music Appreciation Quiz 3

String Quartet and Chamber Music

• A string quartet consists of 2 violins, a cello, and a viola.
• The Classical era is recognized as the golden age of chamber music.
• Chamber music involves ensembles of 2 to 10 performers, with each instrument represented by one player.

Joseph Haydn

• Known as the Father of the string quartet and symphony.
• Created the "Emperor Quartet" (Opus 76, No.3) featuring a hymn for Austrian Emperor Franz II in its 2nd movement.
• Worked under the patronage of the Esterhazy family, producing over 100 symphonies and string quartets.

Symphony Essentials

• A symphony demonstrates the expressive capabilities of a full orchestra.
• Symphony No. 100 in G Major (Military) features a second movement in C major with a ternary variation form (A-B-A').
• Common symphonic form includes:
  • Movement 1: Sonata-allegro
  • Movement 2: Variations (rondo, theme and variation, ternary)
  • Movement 3: Minuet and trio (in 3/4 meter)
  • Movement 4: Sonata-allegro, rondo, sonata-rondo

Sonata-Allegro Form

• Structured in three sections:
  • Exposition (which can be repeated)
  • Development
  • Recapitulation

Other Musical Concepts

• A coda serves as an extension leading to the final cadence in the home key.
• Mozart's "A Little Night Music" is notable for its 1st and 3rd movements in G-major.
• Cadenzas are improvised solo passages, typically found at the end of a movement.

Mozart's Notable Works

• The "Piano Concerto in G major" features an allegro 1st movement.
• A sonata is an instrumental work for one or two instruments, typically consisting of 3 or 4 contrasting movements.
• Mozart, a child prodigy, is famed for his operas and piano sonatas.

Beethoven

• Beethoven lost his hearing in his 20s and is regarded as a transitional figure to the Romantic era, producing 9 symphonies and numerous sonatas.
• Known works include the "Piano Sonata in C-sharp Minor" (Moonlight) with its adagio 1st movement and "Symphony No. 5 in C minor," featuring prominent motifs in movements 1 and 4.

Opera Genres

• Opera seria is characterized by serious or tragic themes.
• Opera buffa represents comedic elements in opera.
• Mozart's "Don Giovanni," Act 1 Scene 2 includes the aria "Madamina!" with lyrics from librettist Lorenzo da Ponte.