MUSIC Unit 3 Classical TEST Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is the texture in the Classical period primarily?

Homophonic with polyphony used for tension

Classical themes are 'closed off' by what?

Multiple cadences

What is absolute music?

Instrumental music not associated with non-musical things; music that is written for music's sake.

What is the most important orchestral genre developed in the Classical period?

Symphony Signup and view all the answers

How many movements are typically in a Classical Symphony?

4 Signup and view all the answers

The 1st movement of a symphony is most often what form?

Sonata form Signup and view all the answers

What does the exposition in sonata form do?

Introduces two primary themes and a cadence theme Signup and view all the answers

What happens in the development of sonata form?

Manipulates themes, has many key changes, heightens tension Signup and view all the answers

What happens in the recapitulation of sonata form?

The exposition is restated with themes in the same order Signup and view all the answers

Which musical element is NOT common in Classical music?

Basso continuo Signup and view all the answers

Mozart's Symphony No. 40 is considered what?

Absolute music Signup and view all the answers

Mozart's 'Marriage of Figaro' is a(n) what?

Opera buffa Signup and view all the answers

What is opera buffa?

Italian comic opera Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of classical music?

Constant polyphony Signup and view all the answers

All are historic parallels in the Classical period EXCEPT:

Absolute monarchy Signup and view all the answers

The purpose of art and music in the Classical period was to?

To entertain Signup and view all the answers

The subject matter of Classical art, music, and literature was?

Real-life characters and situations Signup and view all the answers

The classical melody was?

Pleasing and simple to sing Signup and view all the answers

Dynamics in the Classical period included what?

Abrupt and gradual changes and marked in the score Signup and view all the answers

An optional closing section of a symphony movement is a(n)?

Coda Signup and view all the answers

What instruments make up a string quartet?

Two violins, viola, cello Signup and view all the answers

What instruments make up a piano quintet?

Piano, two violins, one viola, cello Signup and view all the answers

What instruments make up a piano trio?

Piano, cello, violin Signup and view all the answers

How is the music for string quartet like that of a symphony?

Both have four movements and use sonata form Signup and view all the answers

What is rondo form?

Alternating form with returning first theme/contrasting music Signup and view all the answers

Which is NOT true of Mozart?

He composed the oratorio Messiah Signup and view all the answers

Which is NOT a characteristic of opera buffa?

Historical and mythological subjects Signup and view all the answers

How many acts long is 'The Marriage of Figaro'?

4 Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Music Texture and Forms

Texture during the Classical period was primarily homophonic, with polyphony introducing tension.
Classical themes typically conclude with multiple cadences, creating a sense of closure.

Types of Music

Absolute music refers to instrumental works without ties to specific meanings or narratives, composed purely for its own sake.
Mozart's Symphony No. 40 is a prominent example of absolute music.

Symphony Structures

The symphony emerged as the most significant orchestral genre of the Classical era, typically comprising four distinct movements.
The first movement of a symphony is most commonly structured in sonata form, which includes an exposition, development, and recapitulation.

Sonata Form Breakdown

The exposition introduces two main themes along with a cadence theme.
The development manipulates thematic material, featuring multiple key changes to heighten tension.
The recapitulation restates the exposition, maintaining the order of the themes.

Musical Characteristics

Classical music is characterized by homophonic textures, contrasting melodies, and a clear structure, while basso continuo is notably absent.
Constant polyphony is not commonly associated with classical music and is contrasting to its structured forms.

Opera and Dramatic Forms

"Marriage of Figaro" is classified as opera buffa, an Italian comic opera, characterized by real-life situations and comic elements.
Opera buffa features arias, recitatives, and blends comedy and tragedy, generally avoiding historical or mythological themes.

Art and Music Context

The Classical period placed a significant emphasis on entertainment as the primary purpose of art and music.
Themes often revolve around realistic characters and situations, moving away from idealized or abstract concepts.

Characteristics of Classical Melodies

Classical melodies were crafted to be pleasing and simple, emphasizing singability.
Dynamics featured both abrupt and gradual changes clearly marked in the score.

Instrumentation Groups

A string quartet consists of two violins, a viola, and a cello.
A piano quintet includes a piano, two violins, a viola, and a cello.
A piano trio features a piano, a cello, and a violin.
Both string quartets and symphonies share structural similarities, including four movements and the use of sonata form.

Rondo Form

Rondo form is a musical structure characterized by an alternating format featuring a recurring first theme interspersed with contrasting sections.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Mozart was a recognized child prodigy and composed until he passed away at the age of 36; he is known for his financial struggles.
Mozart is not credited with composing the oratorio "Messiah," which is, in fact, a work by George Frideric Handel.

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Description

Test your knowledge with these flashcards covering key concepts from Unit 3 of the Classical music period. Learn about texture, themes, and the nature of absolute music. Perfect for students looking to review essential musical terms and definitions.