Questions and Answers
What are the basic forms of music mentioned?
Binary, ternary, and strophic forms.
What is the twelve-tone technique?
A method of writing atonal music based on a tone row of twelve pitches.
Who composed Symphony No. 5 in C minor?
Ludwig van Beethoven.
What significant element was used in Beethoven's Ninth Symphony?
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What theme does Beethoven's Sixth Symphony depict?
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Which of Mozart's symphonies is in a minor key?
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What is the name of the opera often called 'The Abduction from the Seraglio'?
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The Abduction from the Seraglio features a fully sung recitative.
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Who composed the libretto for 'The Magic Flute'?
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What is the theme of the 'Kyrie' in Mozart's Requiem taken from?
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In Così fan tutte, Don Alfonso wagers that he can make the sisters fall in love with other _____ in one day.
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What famous arias are featured in 'The Abduction from the Seraglio'?
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What character does Papageno represent in 'The Magic Flute'?
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Mozart's Requiem was completed by Mozart himself before his death.
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Who is known for the ballet 'The Rite of Spring'?
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What system did Arnold Schoenberg pioneer?
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Which opera is Benjamin Britten known for?
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What is Aaron Copland most notable for?
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What famous work did Sergei Prokofiev complete that is popular among children?
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Dmitri Shostakovich was well-received by the Soviet regime.
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Who inspired Béla Bartók to collect folk tunes?
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Which musical is known for including the song 'America'?
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What is the primary theme of the opera 'Carmen'?
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La Bohème involves a wealthy group of friends living in Paris.
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The famous opera 'The Marriage of Figaro' was composed by __________.
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What major event occurs in the opera 'Madama Butterfly'?
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What is the central conflict in 'Don Giovanni'?
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What piece did George Gershwin compose that blends jazz with classical music?
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Which Broadway musical features the character Eliza Doolittle?
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What theme is prevalent in 'West Side Story'?
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Charles Ives achieved great fame during his lifetime.
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Who is the composer of the opera 'Salome'?
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In which opera does the character Boris Godunov appear?
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The Phantom of the Opera is a romantic comedy.
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Match the following operas with their composers:
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What is Evita about?
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Which musical features the character Yum-Yum?
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What is the primary theme of The Sound of Music?
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Which song is NOT featured in Fiddler on the Roof?
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What is the main plot of Oklahoma?
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What is the setting of the musical Cabaret?
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In The Music Man, what scheme does Harold Hill attempt?
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What story does Rent narrate?
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Who is the main character in Les Misérables?
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Who originated the title role in Annie Get Your Gun?
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What happens at the end of The Pirates of Penzance?
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What is the main conflict in H.M.S. Pinafore?
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What significant theme runs through The King and I?
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What is the primary focus of Jesus Christ Superstar?
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What happens to Sweeney Todd's daughter, Joanna?
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What is the setting of South Pacific?
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Tempo is indicated through Italian-language terms.
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What are the two most common types of scales?
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What defines an interval?
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What is a triad?
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What is meant by the key of a piece of music?
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What does transposition refer to in music?
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What do dynamic markings indicate?
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What does articulation refer to in music?
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How is a work's form represented?
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Study Notes
Igor Stravinsky
- Born in 1882 and died in 1971; studied under Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov.
- Completed ballets The Firebird and Petrushka for Sergei Diaghilev.
- The Rite of Spring premiered in Paris in 1913, marking the start of Modern music; its complex polytonal music caused riots.
- Shifted to "neoclassical" compositions, exemplified in Symphony of Psalms.
- Composed his only full-length opera, The Rake's Progress, in Hollywood in 1940.
- Later adopted serialism and twelve-tone techniques, producing the ballet Agon in 1957.
Arnold Schoenberg
- Born in 1874 and died in 1951; an Austrian composer known as the pioneer of dodecaphony (twelve-tone system).
- Influenced by Richard Wagner and Richard Strauss; notable work includes Transfigured Night.
- Developed Sprechstimme in Pierrot lunaire (1912), marking a break from Romanticism.
- Fled Nazi Germany in 1933 to Los Angeles; completed A Survivor from Warsaw there.
- Moses und Aron remains an unfinished opera with frequently performed acts.
Benjamin Britten
- Born in 1913 and died in 1976; revitalized British opera with Peter Grimes (1945).
- Gained recognition with Variations on a Theme of Frank Bridge and composed incidental music for W.H. Auden.
- Co-founded the Aldeburgh Festival with tenor Peter Pears; wrote major operas like Billy Budd and Death in Venice.
- Non-operatic works include The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra and War Requiem.
Aaron Copland
- Born in 1900 and died in 1990; first American student of Nadia Boulanger.
- Modernist composer who shifted towards American folk themes in the 1930s.
- Composed ballet scores including Billy the Kid, Rodeo, and Appalachian Spring, featuring "Simple Gifts."
- Notable symphonic works include Third Symphony and Lincoln Portrait, showcasing American themes.
- Authored several music education books, including What to Listen For in Music (1939).
Sergei Prokofiev
- Born in 1891 and died in 1953; composed seven symphonies, with First Symphony (Classical) being notable.
- Premiered The Love for Three Oranges in Chicago, based on commedia dell'arte.
- Created works for Ballets Russes, such as The Prodigal Son, after moving to Paris.
- Returned to the USSR in 1936, composing Peter and the Wolf and the film score for Alexander Nevsky.
- Faced dictatorial censorship, producing works aligned with Soviet ideals.
Dmitri Shostakovich
- Born in 1906 and died in 1975; his music reflected his struggles under Soviet repression.
- Early operas like The Nose gained acclaim but later faced criticism from Stalin, prompting cautious works.
- Wrote conciliatory symphonies, including the Fifth and Seventh, to navigate political pressures.
- His Thirteenth Symphony ("Babi Yar") condemned anti-Semitism, igniting controversy.
Béla Bartók
- Born in 1881 and died in 1945; inspired by folk music, collecting peasant tunes alongside Zoltan Kodály.
- Composed operas and ballets such as Duke Bluebeard's Castle and The Wooden Prince.
- A virtuoso pianist known for significant instrumental works, including six string quartets.
- Fled Hungary due to Nazi threats, contributing to financial instability.
Charles Ives
- Born in 1874 and died in 1954; learned innovative music from his father, a bandleader.
- Pursued a career in insurance while composing modern works, including the Second Piano Sonata.
- Third Symphony won a Pulitzer Prize in 1947; song "General William Booth Enters Into Heaven" received acclaim.
- Health issues curtailed both his insurance and music careers by the 1930s.
Maurice Ravel
- Born in 1875 and died in 1937; influenced by his Basque heritage and affinity for Spanish themes.
- Composed "Bolero" (1928) and "Rapsodie espagnole," showcasing unique orchestration.
- Worked on Daphnis et Chloé for Diaghilev; re-orchestrated Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition.
- Suffered health decline post-1932 taxi accident; succumbed to complications from surgery.
George Gershwin
- Born in 1898 and died in 1937; gained fame for blending jazz with classical forms.
- Key compositions include Rhapsody in Blue, Concerto in F, and the folk opera Porgy and Bess.
- First major hit was "Swanee"; won Pulitzer Prize for drama with Of Thee I Sing.
- Died at 38 from a brain tumor, leaving a lasting musical legacy.
John Cage
- Born in 1912 and died in 1992; an avant-garde American composer influenced by Schoenberg.
- Known for aleatory (chance) music; Imaginary Landscape No. 4 utilized radios for real-time composition.
- Created 4′33″, a performance centered around silence and audience noise.
- Developed the prepared piano, altering piano sounds with objects.
Ralph Vaughan Williams
- Born in 1872 and died in 1958; prominent in reviving Tudor and folk music traditions.
- Composed nine symphonies; notable ones include Second Symphony (London) and Third (Pastoral).
- Known for The Lark Ascending and operas such as Sir John in Love.
- His music often reflects English folk heritage and literary influences.
Sergei Rachmaninoff
- Born in 1873 and died in 1943; skilled pianist and conductor who declined the Boston Symphony Orchestra post.
- Early works gained little financial success; his productivity surged after treatment in 1901.
- Notable compositions include Second Piano Concerto, The Isle of the Dead (1909), and Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini (1934).
- Emigrated to the U.S. in 1917 due to the Bolshevik Revolution, where he faced challenges.
Aida
- Opera by Giuseppe Verdi (libretto by Antonio Ghislanzoni), premiered in 1871.
- Story centers on Aida, an Ethiopian princess, who loves Radamès, an Egyptian general.
- Conflict arises as Aida's love is complicated by her captivity and rivalry with Amneris.
- Ends tragically with both lovers buried alive.
Carmen
- 1875 opera by Georges Bizet, based on a novel by Prosper Mérimée.
- Carmen, a gypsy, seduces Don José, leading to treachery and tragedy.
- Themes of desire and fate unfold through conflicts within rival factions.
- Ends with Don José killing Carmen out of jealousy at a bullfight.
The Marriage of Figaro
- Mozart opera adapted from Beaumarchais' play (1786).
- Revolves around Figaro and Susanna's marriage troubles amidst courtly intrigue.
- Features mistaken identities and clever schemes to resolve romantic complications.
The Barber of Seville
- Gioachino Rossini opera (1816) serving as a prequel to The Marriage of Figaro.
- Count Almaviva's romantic pursuits of Rosina unfold through Figaro's cunning strategies.
- Highlights themes of love, deception, and comedic resolution involving mistaken identities.
William Tell
- Rossini's opera (1829) based on the Swiss hero's struggle against tyranny.
- William Tell defies oppression and ultimately leads a revolt against the Austrian governor.
- Central scene involves the legendary apple shot, symbolizing resistance and freedom.
Don Giovanni
- Opera by Mozart (1787) portrays the legendary seducer, Don Giovanni.
- The story unfolds through seduction, murder, and supernatural retribution.
- Ends with Giovanni being dragged to hell, reflecting moral consequences of his actions.
Salome
- Richard Strauss's opera (1905) based on Oscar Wilde's play.
- Salome's obsession with Jokanaan leads to her tragic demand for his head.
- Explores themes of desire, manipulation, and moral decay within royal circles.
Boris Godunov
- Mussorgsky's opera (1874) illustrates the political intrigue surrounding Russia's throne.
- Centers on Boris's guilt over his rise to power and the consequences of his actions.
- Explores themes of legitimacy, power, and the impact of political deception.
La bohème
- Puccini's opera (1896) tells the story of struggling artists in Paris.
- The love story between Rodolfo and Mimì explores themes of youth, love, and loss.
- Ends tragically with Mimì's death from tuberculosis, symbolizing fleeting beauty.
Madama Butterfly
- Opera by Puccini (1904) highlights the cultural clash between East and West.
- Cio-Cio-San's tragic love story with Lieutenant Pinkerton ends in her suicide.
- Examines themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the consequences of colonialism.
West Side Story
- Musical (1957) by Bernstein, adapting Romeo and Juliet to 1950s New York.
- Explores gang rivalry through love story between Tony and Maria.
- Includes iconic songs like "America" and "Tonight", addressing themes of love and conflict.
The Phantom of the Opera
- Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical (1986) centers on the enigmatic Phantom's obsession with Christine.
- Themes of love, isolation, and the### Oklahoma
- Premiered in 1943, written by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II.
- Set on the eve of Oklahoma's statehood, focusing on cowboy Curly McLain and farmhand Judd's rivalry for Laurey.
- Notable songs include "Oh What a Beautiful Mornin'" and "Oklahoma."
- Recognized as the first modern book musical.
Cabaret
- Created by Fred Kander and John Ebb in 1966, set in the Kit-Kat Club in 1920s Berlin.
- Follows British singer Sally Bowles and her tumultuous romance with writer Cliff Bradshaw.
- Themes of growing Nazi influence are central to the storyline.
- Academy Award-winning film adaptation released in 1972, starring Liza Minelli.
The Music Man
- Written by Meredith Wilson and Franklin Lacey in 1957.
- Follows conman Harold Hill in River City, Iowa, who tries to sell boys' band instruments and falls for librarian Marian Paroo.
- Features famous songs like "Trouble" and "Seventy-Six Trombones."
Rent
- Authored by Jonathan Larson and premiered in 1996.
- Set in New York City, centered on struggling artists dealing with the AIDS crisis.
- Characters include Mark, Roger, Mimi, and Benny, depicting themes of love, poverty, and addiction.
- Adaptation of Puccini's opera La bohème, featuring "Seasons of Love."
Guys and Dolls
- Created by Frank Loesser in 1950.
- Nathan Detroit bets Sky Masterson he can't woo missionary Sarah Brown.
- Includes memorable songs like "Luck Be a Lady" and "Sit Down, You're Rockin' the Boat."
Les Misérables
- Premiered in 1985, with music by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg.
- Based on Victor Hugo's novel, follows Jean Valjean during the 1832 Paris student rebellion.
- Songs include "I Dreamed a Dream" and "Do You Hear the People Sing?"
Annie Get Your Gun
- Created by Irving Berlin in 1946, revolving around Annie Oakley's shooting prowess.
- Highlighted by iconic songs like "There's No Business Like Show Business."
The Pirates of Penzance
- Written by W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan in 1879.
- Story of Frederic, who is bound to pirate apprenticeship until he turns 21.
- Notable songs include "I am the very model of a modern Major-General."
H.M.S. Pinafore
- Created by W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan in 1878.
- Tells the tale of love between Josephine and sailor Ralph, who is of noble birth.
- Noted for its catchy songs like "We sail the ocean blue."
The King and I
- Premiered in 1951, based on Anna Leonowens' memoirs by Rodgers and Hammerstein.
- Anna teaches the King of Siam's children amidst cultural clashes.
- Famous songs include "Getting to Know You" and "Shall We Dance?"
Jesus Christ Superstar
- A rock opera by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, debuted in 1971.
- Explores the final week of Jesus, focusing on themes of betrayal and love.
- Includes well-known songs like "I Don't Know How to Love Him."
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
- Written by Stephen Sondheim in 1979, follows vengeful barber Sweeney Todd.
- Blends gruesome themes with dark humor; characters include Todd and Mrs. Lovett.
- Features complex music with notable songs like "The Ballad of Sweeney Todd."
South Pacific
- Created by Rodgers and Hammerstein in 1949, reflects on love during WWII in the Pacific.
- Explores themes of race and prejudice through characters Nellie and Emile.
- Known for songs like "Some Enchanted Evening."
Tempo
- Defined by Italian terms indicating speed: largo (very slow), adagio (slow), andante (walking speed), allegro (fast), and presto (very fast).
- Metronome markings gauge specific speed in beats per minute.
Scales
- Major and minor scales are diatonic, consisting of seven notes and patterned intervals.
- Variants of the minor scale include natural, harmonic, and melodic scales.
Intervals
- Described by ordinal numbers (seconds, thirds), with unisons and octaves as exceptions.
- Classified as perfect, augmented, or diminished; major, minor, augmented, or diminished.
Chords
- Typically composed of triads: root, third, and fifth notes.
- Seventh chords add an additional third and come in various commonly used forms.
Key
- Denotes the "home" scale of a musical piece, indicated by the key signature.
- Keys can be parallel (same pitch) or relative (same signature).
Transposition
- Music for concert pitch instruments is written exactly as it sounds, unique to transposing instruments like the French horn and B-flat trumpet.
Dynamics
- Marked by terms indicating volume, with basic markings ranging from forte (loud) to piano (soft).
- Gradual volume changes signaled by crescendo and diminuendo.
Articulation
- Techniques modify the performance of notes, with common techniques including staccato (short) and legato (smoothly connected).
Form
- The overall structure of a musical work is characterized by sections labeled with capital letters.
- Forms include binary, ternary, and strophic among others, with variations representing different themes.
Twelve-tone technique
- Developed by Arnold Schoenberg, representing a key element of atonal music.
- Based on a row of the twelve chromatic pitches, used once per composition.
Symphony No. 5 in C minor
- Composed between 1804-08; famous motif symbolizes "fate knocking at the door."
- First performed alongside Beethoven's Sixth Symphony.
Symphony No. 9 in D minor, "Choral"
- Composed between 1822-24; integrates vocal elements in the final movement.
- Features Schiller's "Ode to Joy," lasting around 75 minutes in performance.
Symphony No. 6 in F major, "Pastoral"
- Composed between 1802-08; depicts rural themes across five movements.
- Known for references to bird calls in the composition.
Symphony No. 3 in E-flat major, "Eroica"
- Composed between 1803-04; reflects Beethoven's heroic period.
- Incorporates a solemn funeral march and playful variations in the finale.### Beethoven's Works
- Originally intended to name a symphony "Bonaparte" but changed upon hearing of Napoleon's self-declaration as emperor.
Fidelio, op. 72
- Beethoven's only opera, composed in 1805 with revisions in 1806 and 1814.
- The libretto is from Joseph Sonnleithner, with revisions by Stephan von Breuning and Georg Treitschke.
- Story revolves around Leonore disguising as Fidelio to rescue her husband, Florestan, from Pizarro's imprisonment.
- Underwent significant changes, originally a three-act opera, later revised to two acts with four overtures.
- Incorporates spoken dialogue and features the chorus "O what joy," sung by prisoners.
Missa solemnis, op. 123
- Composed between 1819-1823, this is a grandsetting of the Catholic liturgy, intended for concert rather than liturgical use.
- Notable for its expansive fugues in the Gloria and Credo movements, reflecting Beethoven's fascination with the form during his late style period.
- Dedicated to Archduke Rudolf of Austria and distinct from the earlier C major mass, op. 86.
Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-flat major, "Emperor"
- Composed in 1809-1810, considered the last completed concerto by Beethoven.
- Breaks traditional form by leading with significant piano material in the opening movement.
- Title "Emperor" attributed posthumously by Johann Cramer, the first publisher.
- Premiered by pianist Friedrich Schneider; notable for being the only concerto Beethoven never performed himself.
Piano Sonata No. 14 in C sharp minor, "Moonlight"
- Composed between 1801-1802 and nicknamed years later by Ludwig Rellstab.
- Notable for continuous sustain pedal usage in the first movement, creating a unique sound.
- The final movement features a demanding Presto agitato form, which serves as a recapitulation of the entire sonata.
Piano Sonata No. 23 in F minor, "Appassionata"
- Composed from 1804-1806, received the popular title after Beethoven's death.
- Begins with a descending theme, creating an ominous atmosphere.
- Transitions fluidly between movements without stable conclusions; final coda is highly challenging.
Wellington's Victory, op. 91
- Known as "Battle Symphony," composed in 1813 originally for the panharmonicon.
- Features familiar melodies like "God Save the Queen" and involves dramatic effects like musket fire.
- Generally viewed as a lesser work by Beethoven, with the composer acknowledging its commercial appeal over artistic intent.
George Gershwin
- Famed for merging classical music with jazz; prolific from 1898-1937.
- Renowned works include "Rhapsody in Blue" and "Concerto in F," showcasing solo piano and orchestral collaboration.
- Remembered for operatic work "Porgy and Bess" which presented an all African-American cast.
Aaron Copland
- Important American composer from 1900-1990, studied under Nadia Boulanger.
- Known for "Populist" works that incorporate folk themes, such as "Billy the Kid" and "Appalachian Spring."
- Utilized serial techniques in later works but produced little in his final years.
Leonard Bernstein
- Prolific composer and conductor noted for televised concerts (1958-1969).
- Notable compositions include "West Side Story," "Candide," and "Jeremiah" Symphony.
- Composed film score for "On the Waterfront" and influenced numerous musical theater productions.
Philip Glass
- Minimalist composer (1937-present) recognized for operas like "Einstein on the Beach."
- His style reflects Indian music influences and utilizes additive processes in composition.
- Acclaimed for film scores, with works for notable movies like "The Truman Show."
Samuel Barber
- Classicist composer (1910-1981) celebrated for "Adagio for Strings."
- Other major works encompass his "Piano Concerto" and operas like "Vanessa," which won the Pulitzer Prize.
- Maintained a significant personal and professional relationship with Gian-Carlo Menotti.
John Adams
- Minimalist composer (1947-present), known for operas such as "Nixon in China."
- Other major works include "On the Transmigration of Souls," which received the Pulitzer Prize.
- Music often incorporates American themes, producing influential orchestral compositions.
Stephen Sondheim
- Esteemed musical theater lyricist and composer (1930-present) with eight Tony Awards.
- Collaborated with Leonard Bernstein on "West Side Story" and created iconic musicals like "Sweeney Todd."
- His works often explore complex themes, blending wit and emotional depth.
Mozart's Piano Sonatas
- Notable works include "Rondo Alla Turca" from Sonata No. 11 and dramatic K. 310.
- Several sonatas are designed for piano duet, showcasing Mozart's versatile compositional skills.
Mozart's Piano Concertos
- Composed 27 concertos, with significant works like Concerto No. 21 ("Elvira Madigan").
- Some concertos were arranged or reimagined from other works, exhibiting Mozart’s innovative approach.
Mozart's String Quartets
- Created primarily in sets of three or six; key collections include the "Haydn" and "Prussian" quartets.
- Noteworthy for their melodic complexity and innovative use of instruments, especially cello.
Mozart's Serenades and Divertimentos
- Famous pieces include "Eine kleine Nachtmusik," translating to "a little serenade."
- Notable for their charm and humor, includes various instrumental configurations.
Mozart's Last Three Symphonies
- Composed rapidly in 1788; uncertain if any were performed during his lifetime.
- Symphonies are characterized by distinct introductions, with No. 41 known as "Jupiter."
Other Mozart Symphonies
- Early symphonies often focused on varying keys and structures; notable pieces include the "Paris" Symphony and "Haffner."
- Symphony No. 37 was actually attributed to Michael Haydn; this confusion was only clarified much later.
The Abduction from the Seraglio
- A Singspiel featuring a blend of spoken dialogue and music about a rescue mission.
- Utilizes "Janissary" musical elements reflecting the Turkish theme.
Così fan tutte
- An opera exploring themes of fidelity and love, featuring a bet that tests the sisters' loyalties.
- Characters undergo transformations, showcasing Mozart’s intricate character development.
The Magic Flute
- Incorporates Masonic themes, with a narrative about trials and enlightenment.
- Features challenging arias and role reversals leading to ultimate resolutions.
Requiem
- Mozart's final, unfinished composition, initiated by a commission from Count von Walsegg.
- Scored for low-timbered instruments, notable for its emotional depth and dramatic choral passages.
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Description
Explore the life and works of Igor Stravinsky, a pivotal figure in 20th-century music. Learn about his groundbreaking compositions like 'The Firebird' and 'The Rite of Spring', and how they influenced the modern music era.
