Questions and Answers
What is mimesis in music composition?
creating imitation of real-world sounds
What is the term for the incorporation of a passage of existing music into a new composition?
quotation
What is the term for the use of familiar musical styles or clichés to communicate to a listener?
musical topics
What compositional technique represents shepherds with a bagpipe-like drone?
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In the European tradition, what is instrumental music that tells a specific story called?
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What fascinated audiences of the Romantic Era (1815-1900)?
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Berlioz' Fantastical Symphony was based upon his desire for a relationship with Harriet Smithson.
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What compositional practice is illustrated by the incorporation of 'Dies irae' in Berlioz's 'Dream of a Witches' Sabbath'?
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What is a compositional technique that imitates or represents real world sound called?
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Even though instrumental music does not have words, it can communicate meaning with which of the following techniques?
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What is the term used for the use of recognizable music to portray scenes like a storm or a love scene?
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What is referred to as 'music for music's sake'?
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Program music is music that is accompanied by what?
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In 19th century Europe, a debate occurred over the superiority of absolute music to program music.
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Hector Berlioz was 55 years old when he wrote his Fantastical Symphony.
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Before enrolling in the Paris conservatory in 1826, what field did Berlioz study?
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What is arguably Berlioz's most influential work?
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Berlioz won the top honor for French composers, the Rome Prize, years after his death.
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Hector Berlioz's obsession with Harriet Smithson was unrequited for his entire life.
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Berlioz wrote detailed narratives of all of his works, but did not utilize a program at the premiere of his Fantastical Symphony.
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The five moments of Berlioz's Symphony include which of the following?
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Each of these keywords is associated with Berlioz's Fantastical Symphony except for what?
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A cyclical technique in music composition connects all parts of a large work by the same tonal center.
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The 4th movement of Berlioz' Fantastical Symphony utilized musical topic, quotation, and mimesis.
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What does a satirical cartoon mocking Berlioz's excessive instrumentation picture him with?
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What name did Berlioz give to the melody that represents his protagonist's love interest?
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How do contemporary listeners know what Berlioz's Fantastical Symphony is about?
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Hector Berlioz's Fantastical Symphony tells the story of a musician who?
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Which of the following was Berlioz NOT known for?
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The ancient Greeks believed that the unique musical styles of each regional tribe represented the characteristics of that tribe.
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What marked a period of growing nationalism in European countries in the mid-19th century?
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Study Notes
Music Composition Techniques
- Mimesis refers to the imitation of real-world sounds in music composition.
- Quotation is the practice of incorporating existing music passages into new compositions.
- Familiar musical styles or clichés used to communicate are known as musical topics.
- A musical representation of shepherds using bagpipe-like drone exemplifies the musical topic technique.
Program Music and Narrative
- Program music describes instrumental music that conveys a specific story or extra-musical meaning.
- In the Romantic Era (1815-1900), audiences showed keen interest in the personal lives of composers.
- Berlioz's Fantastical Symphony was inspired by his desire for a relationship with actress Harriet Smithson, a fact that is true.
Compositional Practices
- The use of "Dies irae" in Berlioz's "Dream of a Witches' Sabbath" exemplifies quotation.
- Various techniques allow instrumental music to communicate meaning, including mimesis, quotation, musical topics, and reliance on descriptive texts.
Musical Representation
- Musical topics can portray recognizable scenes, like love or storm scenes.
- Absolute music is defined as "music for music's sake," without accompanying descriptive content.
- Program music is always paired with a descriptive text.
Historical Context and Berlioz
- A notable debate in 19th-century Europe centered on the superiority of absolute music versus program music.
- Contrary to some beliefs, Berlioz was not 55 years old when he wrote his Fantastical Symphony.
- Before his music career, Berlioz studied medicine.
Berlioz's Legacy and Influence
- Fantastical Symphony is regarded as Berlioz's most influential work.
- He won the prestigious Rome Prize, but not posthumously, contrary to some assertions.
- Berlioz's infatuation with Harriet Smithson was not solely unrequited; they eventually married.
Symphony Structure
- The five movements of Berlioz's Fantastical Symphony include: Reveries-Passions, A Ball, Scenes in the Fields, March to the Scaffold, and Dream of a Witches' Sabbath.
- A satirical cartoon depicted Berlioz with a large orchestra and a cannon, highlighting perceived overindulgence in orchestration.
Thematic Elements
- The melody representing Berlioz's love interest is called the "obsession."
- Listeners know the storyline of Fantastical Symphony through Berlioz's detailed program that accompanies performances.
- The narrative follows a musician who becomes obsessed and overdoses on opium.
Innovation and Nationalism
- Berlioz is not celebrated for inventing new percussion techniques.
- The ancient Greeks linked musical styles to tribal characteristics.
- The mid-19th century saw European countries adopting national anthems, reflecting growing nationalism.
Community Aspects of Music
- Singing an anthem together can have positive effects on participants, promoting unity and shared identity.
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Description
Prepare for your music final exam with these flashcards covering key concepts from chapters 6 to 9. Learn about important terms like mimesis, quotation, and musical topics to enhance your understanding of music composition. This quiz will help solidify your knowledge for the exam.
