Music History and Classical Elements

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Questions and Answers

What does Intellectual Dualism refer to?

A thought that the minor triad has a natural origin different from the major triad (correct)

A concept of music theory related to harmony

A philosophical idea regarding dualism in arts

None of the above

What characterized the social and economic conditions from the 18th to 19th century in Europe?

Very class segregated, poor sanitation, growing industrialization, and an establishment of great classical composers.

What are the elements of Classical Style?

Lyrical melodies, symmetrical four-bar measures with clear cadences, repetition, harmonies based on major or minor scales, strong rhythms, and folk elements.

What instruments typically make up the Classical Orchestra?

2 Flutes, 2 Oboes, 2 Clarinets, 2 Bassoons, 2 or 4 French horns, 2 Trumpets, 2 Timpani, 10 Violins 1, 10 Violins 2, 9 Violas, 5 Cellos, 3 Double basses. Signup and view all the answers

What defines the Classical Opera?

Professionally trained singers perform a production accompanied by an orchestra. Signup and view all the answers

What is Opera Suffa known for?

It is a lighter genre appealing to the middle class, sung in the audience's language. Signup and view all the answers

List the movements of a classical symphony.

<ol> <li>Fast tempo, Sonata Allegro form; 2. Slow tempo, typically ABA form or Theme and Variations; 3. Medium/Fast tempo, dance form; 4. Fast tempo, typically Rondo or Sonata Rondo form.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

Describe the movements of a Classical string quartet.

1st movement: Sonata form, Allegro; 2nd movement: Slow; 3rd movement: Minuet and Trio; 4th movement: Rondo or Sonata Rondo, all generally in tonic key. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart?

A child prodigy and influential composer who wrote major works in various genres, including symphony and opera. Signup and view all the answers

What is Ein Kleine Nachtmusik?

A serenade for strings composed by Mozart, featuring various forms including sonata-allegro and rondo. Signup and view all the answers

Tell me about Joseph Haydn.

Born in Austria, he contributed significantly to instrumental music and is remembered for his symphonies and string quartets. Signup and view all the answers

What did Ludwig Von Beethoven achieve?

Regarded as a transitional figure whose music straddled the Classical and Romantic eras, with many influential works. Signup and view all the answers

What is the structure of the Classical concerto form?

Three movements, alternating fast-slow-fast. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Classical Sonata Form?

A musical structure set for a solo instrument or a duet. Signup and view all the answers

What is Opera Seria?

A serious or tragic Italian opera, heavily focused on recitatives and arias. Signup and view all the answers

What is Opera Comique known for?

Lively, down-to-earth plots sung in the audience's language. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Intellectual Dualism

Concept that the minor triad has a different natural origin compared to the major triad.

Characterized by significant class segregation and poor sanitation.
Context of rapid industrial growth.
Rise of prominent classical composers and their careers during this period.

Elements of Classical Style

Melodies: Features lyrical lines, symmetrical four-bar measures, clear cadences, and repetition.
Harmonies: Based on seven tones of major or minor scales.
Rhythmic Regularity: Utilizes strong rhythms in steady tempos within basic meters.
Folk Elements: Incorporates motifs from German dances and waltzes, influenced by Viennese masters.

The Classical Orchestra

Woodwinds: 2 Flutes, 2 Oboes, 2 Clarinets, 2 Bassoons.
Brass: 2 to 4 French horns, 2 Trumpets.
Percussion: 2 Timpani.
Strings: 10 Violins (1), 10 Violins (2), 9 Violas, 5 Cellos, 3 Double Basses.

The Classical Opera

Features professionally trained singers performing a complete production, accompanied by an orchestra.

Opera Suffa

Known as Italian comic opera, a lighter genre reflecting middle-class sentiments.
Characteristics include lively plots, sung in the audience's language, and engaging ensembles at the end of each act.

Movements of a Classical Symphony

1st Movement: Fast tempo in Sonata Allegro form.
2nd Movement: Slow tempo, usually ABA form or Theme and Variations.
3rd Movement: Medium/Fast tempo, employing a dance form like Minuet or Scherzo.
4th Movement: Fast tempo, typically in Rondo or Sonata Rondo form.

Movements of a Classical String Quartet

1st Movement: Sonata form, Allegro, in tonic key.
2nd Movement: Slow, in subdominant key.
3rd Movement: Minuet and Trio, in tonic key.
4th Movement: Rondo form or Sonata Rondo form, in tonic key.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Child prodigy who composed music by age five and made profound contributions across musical genres.
Renowned for lyrical melodies, colorful orchestration, and dramatic narratives.
Notable works include "Eine kleine Nachtmusik," "Clarinet Concerto," and "The Magic Flute."

Eine Kleine Nachtmusik

Composed for strings, featuring four movements, including a sonata-allegro form for the first movement and various forms for subsequent movements.
Engages with key transitions, rhythm structures, and thematic developments across movements.

Joseph Haydn

Born in Rohrau, Austria; worked for the Esterhazy court.
Significant figure in the development of Classical instrumental music, especially symphonies and string quartets.
Well-known pieces include "No. 94 the Surprise" and "The London Symphonies."

Ludwig van Beethoven

Born in Bonn, Germany; came from a musical lineage.
Transitional figure between Classical and Romantic periods with music divided into three significant styles.
Highly influential composer with famous works including "The Nine Symphonies."

Concerto Form

Defined by three movements with a fast-slow-fast structure, characteristic of the Classical concerto.

The Classical Sonata Form

A musical structure designed for either solo instruments or duets, foundational to the Classical style.

Opera Seria

A serious Italian opera genre, focusing on recitatives and arias crafted to showcase the virtuosity of singers.

Opera Comique

Characterized by rigid conventions, often presenting legends and heroic tales; a lighter Italian comic opera responding to the rising middle class, performed in accessible language with lively plots.

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Description

Explore the development of classical music in 18th and 19th century Europe, including the social and economic conditions of the time. Understand the elements of classical style, the structure of the classical orchestra, and the significance of intellectual dualism in music theory.