AOS 1 - Classical Music and the Orchestral Music of Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven

Question 1

When was the classical period of music?

Answer 1

1750 - c1810

These dates aren’t set however, as there were signs of “classical music” as far back as 1730.

Question 2

What was the texture like in classical music?

Answer 2

Lighter and clearer compared to Baroque music, homophonic/ chordal

Question 3

Was the harpsichord still used?

Answer 3

No, it was replaced by the piano

Question 4

What is Alberti bass?

Answer 4

It is based on a triad with the note pattern 1,3,5,3. This was usually played staccato

Question 5

What was there a focus on more so compared to the baroque period?

Answer 5

There was more of a focus on elegance and expressiveness, with a clear, controlled and short melody

Question 6

What were the 3 main parts of sonata form? (Excluding the Introduction and Coda)

Answer 6

The exposition - introduces the 1st and 2nd subjects and usually stays in the tonic or dominant keys

Development - develops the ideas from the exposition, uses other keys rather than the tonic

Recapitulation - same 1st subject but the 2nd subject also in the tonic

Question 7

What happened to the orchestra in this period?

Answer 7

It grew in size, there were many more instruments and the woodwind instruments got their own section

However, the percussion instruments were still at the back and sides and the strings were in the middle and front.

The harpsichord was removed as there wasn’t a need for a basso continuo

Question 8

What were the 3 main forms of classical music?

Answer 8

Sonata form, Concerto form and Symphony form

Question 9

What were the dynamics like in the classical period?

Answer 9

There was more range in dynamics than the baroque period, and more crescendos and diminuendos

Question 10

Describe the structure of Sonata Form

Answer 10

• Three Movements, Fast (sonata), Slow, Fast (rondo or sonata)
• Was a solo instrument with piano accompaniment

Question 11

Describe the structure of Concerto form

Answer 11

• Three Movements, Fast (sonata), Slow, Fast (rondo or sonata)
• Was a solo instrument that allowed the soloist to show off and an accompanying orchestra

Question 12

Describe the structure of Symphony form

Answer 12

• Four Movements, Fast and lively (sonata), Slow, Minuet and trio, Fast
• Large piece of music that lasted a long time and included the whole orchestra