Classical Era

Question 1

In what time period did the Classical Era take place?

Answer 1

1750-1825

Question 2

• refers to the cultures of ancient Roma and Greece as well as the art, architecture and music of the late 18th century
• adheres to principles of symmetry, balance, and proportion
• emphasis on excellence, enduring value, and timeless quality

Answer 2

Classicism

Question 3

• refers to the musical style forged by Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven and their contemporaries.
• in late 18th century Vienna, Austria flourished as a musical center

Answer 3

Viennese school

Question 4

• instrumental music without extramusical associations
• also known as “pure music”
• generic titles reflecting tempos, genres, or forms; for example, sonata, allegretto, menuet, rondo

Answer 4

Absolute music

Question 5

• formal structure often used in the first movement of a sonata cycle
• consists of exposition (statement of 2 or more contrasting themes), development (departure), and recapitulation (return)

Answer 5

sonata form

Question 6

• also known as sonata-allegro form

Answer 6

sonata form

Question 7

• the first main section in sonata form
• two contrasting themes are stated
• the first theme is in the tonic key
• the second theme (or themes) are in a contrasting key, generally in the dominant or relative major

Answer 7

exposition

Question 8

• the second main section in sonata form
• themes from the exposition are manipulated through fragmentation, sequential treatment, or changes to orchestration
• modulations and increased harmonic tension
• new themes may also be introduced

Answer 8

development

Question 9

recapitulation

Answer 9

• the third main section in sonata form

- first and second themes are both restated in the tonic

Question 10

coda

Answer 10

• latin for “tail” (cauda)

- a concluding section reaffirming the tonic key

Question 11

• multi-movement structure that emerged in the Classical era

- demonstrated in the symphony, sonata, or concerto

Answer 11

sonata cycle

Question 12

• music for small ensemble (2-10 players)
• 1 player per part
• usually performed without a conductor

Answer 12

chamber music

Question 13

• the most important chamber music genre of the Classical era
• performing forces: first violin, second violin, viola, and cello
• usually in 4 movements: fast - slow - moderately fast - fast
• first movement is usually in sonata form

Answer 13

string quartet

Question 14

• a work featuring a statement of a melody (theme) followed by a series of transformations (variations)
• changes can be made to melody, harmony, rhythm, or orchestration
• often used in the slow movement of a sonata cycle

Answer 14

theme and variations

Question 15

• a multi-movement orchestral genre
• for small orchestra or chamber ensemble
• popular instrumental genre in the classical era
• often performed in aristocratic social settings and at outdoor events

Answer 15

serenade

Question 16

• rapidly ascending melody outlining an arpeggio

- often used as a dramatic opening motive in Classical-era works

Answer 16

rocket theme

Question 17

Menuet

Answer 17

• a stylized dance of French origin developed in the Baroque era
• in triple meter

Question 18

Trio

Answer 18

contrasting middle section

Question 19

Menuet and trio

Answer 19

• in triple meter
• graceful, elegant character
• ternary form (ABA)

Question 20

• two-part form: A || B + A1 ||

- opening material from section 1 returns after B material

Answer 20

Rounded Binary Form

key structure similar to binary form

Question 21

• Classical formal structure often used in sonata cycle
• section A recurs, with alternating sections creating a contrast
• Section A is heard 3 times or more in the tonic key
• ABACA or ABACABA

Answer 21

Rondo Form

Question 22

• typical layout: ABACABA (ABA functions as the exposition; C functions as the development; second ABA functions as the recapitulation)

Answer 22

Sonata - Rondo Form (aka “Rondo - Sonata” Form)

combines elements of sonata form and rondo form

Question 23

• a multi-movement orchestral work originating in the 18th century
• usually in four movements: fast - slow - moderate - fast
• at least 1 movement is in sonata form

Answer 23

Symphony

Question 24

• material heard in one mvmt recurs in later mvmts

- creates structural unity in a multi-movement work

Answer 24

cyclical structure