AOS1: Classical music

Question 1

When was the classical period of music?

Answer 1

1750-1820

Question 2

Who were the key classical composers?

Answer 2

Mozart, Haydn and Beethoven.

Question 3

How did dynamics progress from Baroque to Classical music?

Answer 3

There was a move to more subtle dynamics. Composers began to use crescendos and diminuendos, rather than terraced dynamics. This was partly due to the invention of the piano.

However, the growth of orchestra sizes meant a greater range of dynamics was available.

Question 4

Name 5 general features of classical music.

Answer 4

• More homophonic than baroque
• Dynamics more subtle - use of crescendos + diminuendos
• Use of primary chords (1, 4, 5) - more use of subdominant
• Diatonic tonality
• Invention of piano = more variety of tone + dynamics (e.g. legato, staccato)
• Less use of harpsichord
• Growth of orchestra (e.g. clarinet + timpani)
• Sound dominated by strings
• Less use of melodic ornaments

Question 5

Give 5 features of classical instrumentation.

Answer 5

• Invention of piano = more variety of tone + dynamics (e.g. legato, staccato)
• Less use of harpsichord
• Growth of orchestra. Woodwind, brass + percussion sections grew (clarinet, horns and timpani added)
• Sound dominated by strings - violins typically played melodies
• Woodwind filled out the harmony

Question 6

Give 2 melodic features of classical music.

Answer 6

• Simple melodies, few ornaments
• Short, balanced 2 or 4 bar phrases

Question 7

Give 2 textural features of classical music.

Answer 7

• Homophonic texture often used
• Melody + accompaniment (accompaniment often homophonic)

Question 8

Give one feature of the tonality of classical music.

Answer 8

• Diatonic: major or minor

Question 9

Give 5 typical structures of classical music.

Answer 9

• Rondo form
• Minuet + trio form
• Minuet + scherzo form
• Sonata form
• Symphonies
• Cadenzas
• Solo concertos
• Binary form
• Ternary form

Question 10

What is rondo form?

Answer 10

Main theme is alternated with contrasting themes, e.g. ABA, ABACA, ABACABA.

Question 11

What is minuet and trio form?

Answer 11

A lively form for dancing in 3/4. In a ternary structure (also known as rounded binary)/ The middle section is for a trio, e.g. 2 oboes and a bassoon.

Question 12

What is minuet and scherzo form?

Answer 12

A short composition, often a movement from a symphony or sonata. Can replace the minuet and trio as the 3rd movement in a symphony.

Question 13

What is a symphony?

Answer 13

A 4-movement work for a string ensemble:

1. allegro movement
2. slow movement
3. minuet/scherzo and trio
4. lively movement

Question 14

What is sonata form?

Answer 14

3 sections: exposition, development, recapitulation.

Question 15

What is a cadenza?

Answer 15

A passage with an improvised and often free rhythmic style, played by a soloist, allowing virsuosic display.

In this section, the accompaniment rests, or sustains a note/chord/