Classical Definitions Flashcards
Describe the features of the classical piano sonata
refers to instrumental work rather than vocal (from Italian sonare=to sound
usually 3 or 4 movements
first movement sonata form
second generally slow and demonstrates lyricism
other movements emphasize technical brilliance
final movement typically sonata, or rondo form
describe the background of the classical piano sonata
developed from the baroque keyboard sonata which was typically one movement.
In classical era, the sonata cycle was applied to the solo sonata and the multi-movement keyboadr sonata emerged
tremolo
a rapid alternation between two notes or between notes of a chord
eg. Sonata pathetique
rondo form
ABACA
ABACABA
A section is repeated between other sections
opera buffa
Italian comic opera
sung throughout, no spoken dialogue
down to earth characters
modified sonata form
abbreviated sonata form, no development
terzetto
a musical number for 3 voices (characters)
Italian for “trio”
ie. Marriage of Figaro
trouser role
a male character performed by a soprano, mezzo soprano or contra-alto
originally created for male castrati
overture
an orchestral work preceding an opera or oratiorio, frequently in sonata form.
188th century-quoted themes which would be heard later in opera
singspiel
german comic opera, contains spoken dialogue
ie. The Magic Flute-Mozart
Recitativo secco
“dry recitative”
speech like style of singing supported by only continuo
Chamber music
music for small ensemble (2-10 players), usually without a conductor
ie Trout piano quintet- schubert
string quartet
the most popular chamber ensemble, 2 violins, viola, and cello.
piano quintet
chamber ensemble consisting of piano and 4 other instruments (usually strings)
theme and variations
a work featuring a statement of a melody (theme) followed by a series of transformations (variations)
changes could be made to melody, harmony, rhythm or orchestration
