Podcast
Questions and Answers
During the Enlightenment, thinkers gave free reign to the pursuit of truth and the discovery of natural laws.
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?
Which idea did NOT emerge during the Enlightenment?
Spurred on by economic self-interest and the principles of Enlightenment philosophers, the middle class of France and America rebelled against the monarchy.
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?
How did composers treat melody during the Classical period?
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Identify the statement that correctly describes the harmonic style of the era.
Identify the statement that correctly describes the harmonic style of the era.
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Which answer correctly describes the rhythm of Classical period music?
Which answer correctly describes the rhythm of Classical period music?
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The texture of Classical period music is generally?
The texture of Classical period music is generally?
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Which period is known as the Classical Period?
Which period is known as the Classical Period?
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Which definition is correct for 'Alberti bass'?
Which definition is correct for 'Alberti bass'?
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What is a 'comic opera'?
What is a 'comic opera'?
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The 'pianoforte' is?
The 'pianoforte' is?
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The new comic opera, the opera of the middle class, in Italy was called?
The new comic opera, the opera of the middle class, in Italy was called?
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Due to the physical power required to play the pianoforte, the most common players of the new instrument were professional male musicians.
Due to the physical power required to play the pianoforte, the most common players of the new instrument were professional male musicians.
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Which quality contributed to the dynamic style of Classical music?
Which quality contributed to the dynamic style of Classical music?
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Identify the statement that does NOT apply to Vienna during the late eighteenth century.
Identify the statement that does NOT apply to Vienna during the late eighteenth century.
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Which statement does NOT apply to Haydn's early years?
Which statement does NOT apply to Haydn's early years?
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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.
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.
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In which town was Mozart born?
In which town was Mozart born?
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Which composers are representative of the Classical period?
Which composers are representative of the Classical period?
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All of the following statements regarding the early years of Mozart are accurate EXCEPT that:
All of the following statements regarding the early years of Mozart are accurate EXCEPT that:
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From 1781 until his death in 1791, Mozart lived almost exclusively in which city?
From 1781 until his death in 1791, Mozart lived almost exclusively in which city?
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Which statement about Mozart's compositions and his childhood experiences touring Europe is INCORRECT?
Which statement about Mozart's compositions and his childhood experiences touring Europe is INCORRECT?
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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Identify the INCORRECT statement regarding Mozart's life in Vienna during the 1780s.
Identify the INCORRECT statement regarding Mozart's life in Vienna during the 1780s.
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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.
Studying That Suits You
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Description
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.