Questions and Answers
What is an oratorio? How does it differ from opera?
An oratorio is a large-scale musical work for orchestra and voices, typically a narrative on a religious theme, performed without the use of costumes, scenery, or action. It differs from an opera because an oratorio is a concert piece while an opera is musical theater.
Choose one of the composers discussed over the semester. How would you describe this composer's music?
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's music is characterized by amazing contrast, elegance, technical command, and emotional depth.
Choose one piece of music from the Romantic period. Identify the piece of music. What emotion do you think the piece is illustrating? Why?
"Erlkönig" composed by Franz Schubert illustrates desperation, anxiety, and persuasion.
Describe medieval music's relationship with the Catholic Church. How was the music influenced by the church?
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What is sonata form? How is it related to sonata?
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What three major institutions supported composers prior to the Romantic era? What was this system called?
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How did the role of music change from the medieval period to the Renaissance? How did it stay the same?
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What group of accompaniment instruments were a nearly universal feature of Baroque music? Name a few of these instruments and describe their role.
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Describe a few ways that the music from the Romantic period differed from the classical period.
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What is the definition of a sequence? Give at least one example of a composition that uses this technique and how it is used.
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How does the music from classical music differ from the music of the Baroque period?
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Describe one mode of listening according to Aaron Copland. Give an example of how this might be used when listening to something.
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What is polyphonic music? How does it differ from monophonic music? List an example of each.
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What is a symphonic poem? How is it related to program music?
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Choose a piece from the modern era. What makes this music characteristic of the period?
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Choose a composer and briefly discuss why they are an influential figure in their particular music period.
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What are Peters Kivy's four styles of writing about music?
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How does the music of the Renaissance differ from music today? How is it the same?
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Name one major composer of the Baroque period and describe one of their compositions.
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Name the three most important classical period composers from our textbook and a composition by each.
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Study Notes
Oratorio vs. Opera
- Oratorio is a large-scale work for orchestra and voices, typically religious and performed without costumes or action.
- Operas are theatrical performances that include staged productions, costumes, and acting.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
- Mozart's music features contrast, elegance, technical command, and emotional depth, marking him as influential in the Classical era.
- His innovative orchestration contributed significantly to the development of classical music.
"Erlkönig" by Franz Schubert
- "Erlkönig," a lied, illustrates emotions of desperation, anxiety, and persuasion.
- The piece's dark atmosphere is achieved through harsh triplets and the interplay between vocal lines and piano rhythm.
Medieval Music's Relationship with the Catholic Church
- Music was predominantly sacred, composed for religious services due to church employment of composers.
- The Catholic Church's influence made sacred music the most significant genre of the medieval period.
Sonata Form
- Sonata form consists of three sections exploring two themes with specific key relationships, foundational to classical music genres.
- A sonata is a composition for one or two instruments supported by basso continuo, emphasizing different musical structures.
Patronage System
- Three major institutions—church, court, and opera house—supported composers before the Romantic era, known as the patronage system.
Transition from Medieval to Renaissance Music
- Renaissance composers embraced plainchants as paraphrases, while showing increased sensitivity to sonority.
- The use of simple homophony persisted among some composers.
Basso Continuo in Baroque Music
- Basso continuo, an essential baroque feature, includes a bass line with chords added by instruments like organ or harpsichord, played by cello or bassoon.
Comparing Romantic and Classical Music
- Romantic music features irregular melodies and emotional expressiveness, expanding orchestras for varied tone colors.
- The growth in orchestra size allowed enhanced creativity in sound mixing.
Sequence in Music
- Sequence involves repeating a phrase at different pitch levels, prevalent in various musical styles.
- "Columba aspexit" exemplifies this, employing a series of short tunes with variations.
Classical vs. Baroque Music
- Classical music rhythm is flexible, making it more engaging compared to the constant rhythm of baroque music.
- Increased roles for woodwinds and brass in orchestras characterize the classical period.
Aaron Copland's Modes of Listening
- The sensuous plane is a common mode of listening used for casual enjoyment of music.
- This mode reflects personal listening habits, highlighting its accessibility and relatability.
Polyphonic vs. Monophonic Music
- Polyphonic music comprises two or more simultaneous melodies, creating harmony; monophonic is a single unaccompanied melody.
- Examples include "Mille regrets" by Josquin for polyphonic and "Alleluia. Diffusa est gratia" for monophonic music.
Symphonic Poem
- A symphonic poem is a one-movement orchestral composition with a program, distinct from traditional forms.
- Franz Liszt’s "Hamlet" exemplifies a symphonic poem through its programmatic portrayal of narrative and emotion.
Maurice Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G Major
- Characteristic of the modern era with instrumental interludes and blues themes, Ravel's piece embraces entertainment.
- It showcases varied tone colors and rhythms, enhancing musical engagement.
Ludwig van Beethoven
- Beethoven revolutionized music with his innovative techniques and emotional expression.
- His contribution shattered previously established musical boundaries.
Peter Kivy's Writing Styles
- Kivy identifies four styles of writing about music: biographical, autobiographical, emotive description, and technical description.
Renaissance Music vs. Modern Music
- Renaissance music has mellower tone colors compared to the vast diversity found in contemporary music.
- Some elements remain common, such as the use of chromatics and polyphonic textures present today.
Johann Sebastian Bach
- A prominent baroque composer, Bach's "Brandenburg Concerto No. 5" features a bright tone color and incorporates ritornello and cadenza across three movements.
Classical Composers and their Works
- Key composers from the Classical period include Beethoven (Symphony No. 9), Mozart (Symphony No. 40), and Haydn (Symphony No. 93).
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Description
Explore the distinctions between oratorio and opera, two significant forms of vocal music. Delve into the influence of composers like Mozart and Schubert, and examine the relationship of medieval music with the Catholic Church. Test your knowledge on these essential topics in music history.