Podcast
Questions and Answers
Stylistically, the music of the classical era was a reaction to the instrumental polyphony of the late baroque.
Stylistically, the music of the classical era was a reaction to the instrumental polyphony of the late baroque.
True (A)
In the development section of a piece, composers would break the themes down into small melodic or rhythmic motives.
In the development section of a piece, composers would break the themes down into small melodic or rhythmic motives.
True (A)
Which musical element is NOT common in classical music?
Which musical element is NOT common in classical music?
- Basso continuo (correct)
- String quartet
- Sonata form
- Symphony
Sonata form consists of how many sections?
Sonata form consists of how many sections?
What does the exposition in sonata form introduce?
What does the exposition in sonata form introduce?
What is the role of the development in sonata form?
What is the role of the development in sonata form?
What does the recapitulation in sonata form restate?
What does the recapitulation in sonata form restate?
Classical music is centered on ideals of?
Classical music is centered on ideals of?
During the classical period, the solo concerto was developed, while the concerto grosso fell into disuse.
During the classical period, the solo concerto was developed, while the concerto grosso fell into disuse.
Solo concertos were written for a number of orchestral instruments.
Solo concertos were written for a number of orchestral instruments.
The favored instruments for classical solo concertos were the piano and violin.
The favored instruments for classical solo concertos were the piano and violin.
During the classical period, concerto cadenzas were usually improvised by the soloists, although they were frequently based on themes included in the movement.
During the classical period, concerto cadenzas were usually improvised by the soloists, although they were frequently based on themes included in the movement.
Mozart composed suggested cadenzas for his performers in case they chose not to improvise.
Mozart composed suggested cadenzas for his performers in case they chose not to improvise.
What is essential to the classical concerto?
What is essential to the classical concerto?
Admission to public concerts was?
Admission to public concerts was?
Composers wrote concertos for?
Composers wrote concertos for?
A cadenza is most frequently found?
A cadenza is most frequently found?
Classical cadenzas were usually?
Classical cadenzas were usually?
Classical-era chamber music was written primarily for middle-class concert audiences.
Classical-era chamber music was written primarily for middle-class concert audiences.
No conductor is necessary for chamber music.
No conductor is necessary for chamber music.
Much of Haydn's music was owned by his patron, Prince Paul Anton Esterházy.
Much of Haydn's music was owned by his patron, Prince Paul Anton Esterházy.
Responsibility for phrasing and articulation in chamber music falls to each performer and to the group as a whole.
Responsibility for phrasing and articulation in chamber music falls to each performer and to the group as a whole.
Tuning while onstage serves no purpose except tradition.
Tuning while onstage serves no purpose except tradition.
Music for two to nine players, usually with one player per part, is called?
Music for two to nine players, usually with one player per part, is called?
Chamber music is written for two violins, viola, and cello is called?
Chamber music is written for two violins, viola, and cello is called?
A three-movement genre featuring the contrast of soloist and orchestra is called?
A three-movement genre featuring the contrast of soloist and orchestra is called?
Beethoven wrote numerous operas.
Beethoven wrote numerous operas.
Opera was still thought of as an Italian art form during the classical period.
Opera was still thought of as an Italian art form during the classical period.
In his Marriage of Figaro, Mozart wrote the part of the young man, Cherubino, for a woman to sing.
In his Marriage of Figaro, Mozart wrote the part of the young man, Cherubino, for a woman to sing.
The greatest classical composer of opera was?
The greatest classical composer of opera was?
A singer with a florid, very high soprano voice is a(n)?
A singer with a florid, very high soprano voice is a(n)?
Operas are divided into large sections called?
Operas are divided into large sections called?
Italian comic opera is known as?
Italian comic opera is known as?
German opera is referred to as?
German opera is referred to as?
Serious opera is called?
Serious opera is called?
The music of Beethoven has lost its public appeal over the years.
The music of Beethoven has lost its public appeal over the years.
Beethoven had a tremendous amount of influence on the composers of the romantic period.
Beethoven had a tremendous amount of influence on the composers of the romantic period.
The unifying theme in Beethoven's Fifth Symphony has the rhythmic pattern: short, short, long, long.
The unifying theme in Beethoven's Fifth Symphony has the rhythmic pattern: short, short, long, long.
Beethoven, Mozart, and Haydn all composed for the piano.
Beethoven, Mozart, and Haydn all composed for the piano.
Classical music was centered on frequent use of the chromatic scale.
Classical music was centered on frequent use of the chromatic scale.
_____ was the first major composer to demand equal footing with the aristocracy.
_____ was the first major composer to demand equal footing with the aristocracy.
After he went deaf, Beethoven communicated via?
After he went deaf, Beethoven communicated via?
In the Fifth Symphony, Beethoven introduced the concept of?
In the Fifth Symphony, Beethoven introduced the concept of?
A structural form based on a theme followed by alternate versions of that theme is a?
A structural form based on a theme followed by alternate versions of that theme is a?
The characteristics of classical music demanded?
The characteristics of classical music demanded?
Study Notes
Classical Era Music
- Classical music reacted against the late baroque's instrumental polyphony, emphasizing clarity and balance.
- The music structure often follows multi-movement forms, typically three or four movements, with the first movement in sonata form.
Sonata Form
- The exposition introduces two primary themes in different keys.
- The development section manipulates these themes, using frequent modulations to establish new tonal centers.
- The recapitulation restates the exposition, typically moving the second theme to the home key.
Concerto Development
- During the classical period, the solo concerto gained prominence, while the concerto grosso declined in favor.
- Composers featured concertos for various orchestral instruments, specifically highlighting the piano and violin.
- Classical cadenzas, often improvised and based on thematic material, were predominantly found at the end of movements.
Chamber Music
- Defined as music for two to nine players, chamber music typically allows one player per part, fostering individual expression.
- No conductor is necessary, emphasizing collaborative performance where phrasing and articulation are decided collectively.
- Much of Haydn's music was owned by Prince Paul Anton Esterházy, his patron.
Operatic Forms
- Mozart is recognized as the greatest classical composer of opera, with works reflecting Italian operatic traditions.
- Operas are structured in acts and can be classified into various forms including Opera Buffa (comic opera) and Singspiel (German opera).
- In "Marriage of Figaro", Mozart creatively wrote for a female voice to portray the character of Cherubino.
Beethoven's Influence
- Beethoven's music continues to resonate, significantly influencing Romantic period composers.
- He was the first major composer to assert his equality with aristocracy, changing the rapport between musicians and patrons.
- After becoming deaf, Beethoven relied on notebooks for communication.
Characteristics of Classical Music
- Classical compositions demand balance, symmetry, and often express a single mood throughout a piece.
- The structure of theme and variations involves presenting a theme followed by various reinterpretations, maintaining listener engagement.
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Description
Test your knowledge of key terms and concepts from Module 3 of music studies. This quiz covers important stylistic elements from the Classical music era and the construction of musical pieces. Perfect for students wanting to solidify their understanding of classical music terminology.
