Questions and Answers
The classical period was from _____ to _____
1750, 1820
Who are the 3 big composers of the classical era?
Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven
What are the characteristics of a classical composition? (Select all that apply)
What does the typical orchestra of the classical period consist of?
Signup and view all the answers
Which instrument was not normally used in orchestral performances of the classical period?
Signup and view all the answers
Social mobility during the classical period was _____
Signup and view all the answers
Political and economic power shifted to the middle class from what two sources? (Select all that apply)
Signup and view all the answers
In the Classical period, serious compositions were often followed by _____?
Signup and view all the answers
What did the prosperity of the middle class seek? (Select all that apply)
Signup and view all the answers
What was Haydn content spending most of his life doing?
Signup and view all the answers
In Vienna, Haydn and Mozart were enemies.
Signup and view all the answers
What are the three main sections of a sonata form movement?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the second theme in a new key called?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the transitional passage that leads to a second theme in a new key called?
Signup and view all the answers
What are short musical ideas or fragments of themes that are developed within a composition called?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the concluding section known as, often following the three main themes of a sonata form movement?
Signup and view all the answers
Sonata form should be viewed as a _____
Signup and view all the answers
Each successive variation in a theme with variations _____
Signup and view all the answers
Which of these is usually not changed in varying the theme in theme and variation form? A.) Melody B.) Harmony C.) Length D.) Rhythm
Signup and view all the answers
The minuet and trio or minuet is in what form?
Signup and view all the answers
The lyrical slow movement most of a symphony is also the _____
Signup and view all the answers
Where did the minuet first appear around _____ as a _____ at the court of Louis XIV of France?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the usual order of movements in a classical symphony?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the favored solo instrument in classical concerto?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the typical sequence of movements in a concerto?
Signup and view all the answers
The bright solo selection in a concerto is referred to as _____
Signup and view all the answers
A pause in the score is indicated by what?
Signup and view all the answers
Classical chamber music is designed for what setting?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the most important form of classical chamber music?
Signup and view all the answers
What distinguishes chamber music from the symphony or concerto?
Signup and view all the answers
What makes up a string quartet?
Signup and view all the answers
What makes up a piano trio?
Signup and view all the answers
Whom did Haydn work for?
Signup and view all the answers
The 12 symphonies Haydn composed during his visits to London are now known as the _____
Signup and view all the answers
What are Haydn's two popular oratorios?
Signup and view all the answers
How many symphonies and string quartets did Haydn write?
Signup and view all the answers
Where was Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart born?
Signup and view all the answers
What did Mozart often do in his music career?
Signup and view all the answers
Mozart's trip to Italy enabled him to study and master what style?
Signup and view all the answers
Mozart composed his requiem on what basis?
Signup and view all the answers
Who made the standard catalogue of Mozart's compositions?
Signup and view all the answers
Mozart composed extended works completely in his mind.
Signup and view all the answers
German operas contain spoken dialogue while Italian operas are sung out completely.
Signup and view all the answers
What are Mozart's 3 masterpieces of Italian comic opera?
Signup and view all the answers
What is Mozart's finest German opera?
Signup and view all the answers
Don Giovanni is who?
Signup and view all the answers
The 3rd symphony was originally dedicated to whom?
Signup and view all the answers
What method did Beethoven use to develop themes?
Signup and view all the answers
What did Beethoven greatly expand in his compositions?
Signup and view all the answers
The chorale finale of Beethoven's Ninth is based on what?
Signup and view all the answers
Beethoven's Ninth Symphony is unusual because it is scored for _____
Signup and view all the answers
Where does Beethoven's greatest church music reside?
Signup and view all the answers
What is Beethoven's only opera entitled?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Classical Period Overview
- Classical period spans from 1750 to 1820.
- Prominent composers include Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven.
Characteristics of Classical Music
- Compositions exhibit mood fluctuations and a variety of rhythmic patterns.
- Melodies are tuneful and memorable.
- Typical orchestra consists of strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion.
Instrumentation and Performance
- Trombones were not commonly used in orchestral performances during this time.
- Social mobility contributed to the rise of the middle class, shifting power from aristocracy and the church.
Musical Forms and Elements
- Serious compositions were often influenced by folk and popular music.
- Sonata form includes exposition, development, and recapitulation as main sections.
- Exposition introduces the second theme in a new key; recapitulation brings the closing section back to the tonic key.
Themes and Variations
- Musical ideas called motives are developed within compositions.
- The concluding section following a sonata form movement is known as the coda.
- Each variation retains elements of the original theme but may change melody, harmony, rhythm, or length.
Minuet and Trio
- The minuet originated as a court dance in the mid-17th century.
- Its characteristics include a stately demeanor and moderate tempo, typically in ABA form.
- Beethoven often substituted the minuet with a scherzo, which is faster and maintains a triple meter.
Rondo Form
- Common rondo patterns include ABACA and ABACABA; the main theme usually appears in the tonic key.
- The lively rondo often serves as the finale of classical symphonies.
Symphony and Concerto Structure
- A typical classical symphony movement order is fast, slow, dance-related (minuet/scherzo), and fast.
- The first movement is predominantly in sonata form and fast-paced.
- Concertos, comprised of a solo instrument and orchestra, typically follow a fast-slow-fast structure, with piano being the favored solo instrument.
Chamber Music
- Classical chamber music is designed for intimate settings, performed by one player per part.
- The string quartet is the most important form of classical chamber music, consisting of two violins, a viola, and a cello.
Notable Composers and Their Contributions
- Haydn composed a total of 104 symphonies and 68 string quartets, known as the London Symphonies during his visits there.
- Mozart, born in Salzburg, Austria, is celebrated for his operatic masterpieces including "The Marriage of Figaro," "Don Giovanni," and "Cosi fan Tutte."
- Beethoven bridged classical and romantic music, drastically expanding the coda and development sections of compositions.
Operatic and Choral Works
- Mozart's "The Magic Flute" is rated as his finest German opera, and "Don Giovanni" refers to the legendary Spanish lover.
- Beethoven's Ninth Symphony features a finale based on Schiller's "Ode to Joy," scored for four vocal soloists and chorus.
- "Missa Solemnis" represents Beethoven's most significant church music, while "Fidelio" is his only opera.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your knowledge on the classical period of music from 1750 to 1820. This quiz features terms associated with key composers like Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven, as well as characteristics of classical compositions. Challenge yourself and enhance your understanding of this pivotal era in music history.