Music Chapter 10 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

During the Enlightenment, thinkers gave free reign to the pursuit of truth and the discovery of natural laws.

True

Which idea did NOT emerge during the Enlightenment?

Philosophers pursuing rational scientific, philosophical, and political beliefs

The importance of communicating passion no matter what sort of imbalance, contradiction, or formal inconsistency might result (correct)

Renewed interest in democratic government

The principles of social justice, equality, religious tolerance, and freedom of speech

A new appreciation for such middle-class values as honesty, common sense, and hard work

Spurred on by economic self-interest and the principles of Enlightenment philosophers, the middle class of France and America rebelled against the monarchy.

True

How did composers treat melody during the Classical period?

Short, balanced phrases create tuneful melodies; more vocal than instrumental in character. Signup and view all the answers

Identify the statement that correctly describes the harmonic style of the era.

The harmonic rhythm varies dramatically, creating a dynamic flux and flow; simple chordal harmonies are made more active by an 'Alberti' bass. Signup and view all the answers

Which answer correctly describes the rhythm of Classical period music?

The rhythm becomes more stop-and-go, and there is greater rhythmic variety within a single movement. Signup and view all the answers

The texture of Classical period music is generally?

Homophonic, with a thinner bass and a middle range; hence, it is light and transparent. Signup and view all the answers

Which period is known as the Classical Period?

1750-1820 Signup and view all the answers

Which definition is correct for 'Alberti bass'?

Instead of having the pitches of a chord sound all together, notes are played in succession to provide a continual stream of sound. Signup and view all the answers

What is a 'comic opera'?

A genre of opera originating in the eighteenth century that portrayed everyday characters and situations, used spoken dialogue and simple songs, and often included sight gags, bawdy humor, and social satire. Signup and view all the answers

The 'pianoforte' is?

The original name for the piano. Signup and view all the answers

The new comic opera, the opera of the middle class, in Italy was called?

Opera buffa. Signup and view all the answers

Due to the physical power required to play the pianoforte, the most common players of the new instrument were professional male musicians.

False Signup and view all the answers

Which quality contributed to the dynamic style of Classical music?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

Identify the statement that does NOT apply to Vienna during the late eighteenth century.

Vienna was the largest city in Europe. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement does NOT apply to Haydn's early years?

Because Haydn displayed great musical talent as a child, his father forced the boy to practice at all hours with the intent of exploiting him as a child prodigy. Signup and view all the answers

While Haydn toured Europe to acquire fame and fortune, what actually happened was that his compositions increased in breadth and substance because of his exposure to a wealth of musical styles.

False Signup and view all the answers

In which town was Mozart born?

Salzburg Signup and view all the answers

Which composers are representative of the Classical period?

Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven, and Schubert Signup and view all the answers

All of the following statements regarding the early years of Mozart are accurate EXCEPT that:

Mozart's father served as court composer to Joseph II of Austria, and he later gave composition lessons to Beethoven. Signup and view all the answers

From 1781 until his death in 1791, Mozart lived almost exclusively in which city?

Vienna Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about Mozart's compositions and his childhood experiences touring Europe is INCORRECT?

As a result of Mozart's touring, he acquired fame and fortune, and he was court composer to Emperor Joseph II from 1780 until his untimely death in 1791. Signup and view all the answers

As a result of Mozart's touring, he acquired fame and fortune, and he was court composer to Emperor Joseph II from 1780 until his untimely death in 1791.

Spanish flamenco Signup and view all the answers

Mozart found the system of aristocratic patronage irritating, and after several unpleasant scenes with his patron, he cut himself free and moved to Vienna, determined to make a living as a freelance musician.

True Signup and view all the answers

Identify the INCORRECT statement regarding Mozart's life in Vienna during the 1780s.

Mozart was responsible for an orchestra that was never larger than twenty-five musicians and saw to it that all musicians appeared in uniform and followed instructions. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Enlightenment and its Impact

The Enlightenment, also known as the Age of Reason, emphasized the pursuit of truth and natural laws.
Key principles included democratic government, social justice, equality, religious tolerance, and freedom of speech.

Musical Characteristics of the Classical Period

Composers created short, balanced phrases yielding tuneful melodies, characterized by a vocal quality.
Harmonic rhythm was dynamic, with active simple chordal harmonies enhanced by "Alberti" bass patterns.
Classical music rhythms were marked by stop-and-go effects and increased rhythmic variety within movements.
The texture primarily featured a homophonic style, light and transparent with a thinner bass.

Key Timeframe and Terms

The Classical Period spanned from 1750 to 1820.
"Alberti bass" refers to a technique where the notes of a chord are played in succession rather than simultaneously.
"Comic opera," or opera buffa, emerged in the 18th century, depicting everyday situations with humor and spoken dialogue.

Instruments and Musicians

The "pianoforte" is the original term for the modern piano.
Despite the physical demands of the pianoforte, it was played widely by both professional male musicians and talented women.

Dynamic Elements in Classical Music

Classical music featured rapid rhythmic changes, crescendos and diminuendos, and varying textures to create a dynamic listening experience.
Vienna was a key cultural hub in the late 18th century, attracting musicians due to aristocratic patronage.

Notable Composers and Their Contributions

Prominent composers of the Classical period included Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven, and Schubert.
Haydn's early life was marked by a demanding upbringing, but he ultimately achieved substantial success.
Mozart was born in Salzburg and showcased extraordinary musical talent from a young age.

Mozart's Life and Career

Mozart toured Europe extensively, but exposure to diverse musical styles enhanced his compositions without immediately leading to fame or fortune.
He lived in Vienna from 1781 until his death and became known for his frustration with the aristocratic patronage system, opting for freelance work.

Misconceptions and Clarifications

Mozart's father did not give composition lessons to Beethoven and did not serve as court composer during Joseph II's reign.
While Mozart became well-known in Vienna, the statement claiming he acquired fortune and became court composer due to touring is incorrect; it was after settling in Vienna that he gained recognition.

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Test your knowledge of key concepts from Chapter 10 of the music course, which focuses on the Enlightenment period. Use these flashcards to review important ideas and terms that emerged during this significant era in history.