Classical Era Flashcards
1
Q
sonata cycle
A
- a multi-movement structure
- occurs in the symphony, sonata, and concerto
2
Q
sonata form
A
- a formal structure often used in first movement of a sonata cycle
- consists of Exposition, Development, and Recapitulation
3
Q
exposition
A
- the first main section in sonata form
- 2 contrasting themes are stated
- first theme is in the tonic key
- second theme(s) are in a contrasting key
4
Q
development
A
- the second main section in sonata form
- themes from the expo are manipulated through fragmentation, sequential treatment or changes to orchestration
- modulations and increased harmonic tension
- new themes may also be introduced
5
Q
recapitulation
A
- the third section in sonata form
- first and second themes are both restated in the tonic
6
Q
coda
A
- Latin for “tail”
- A concluding section reaffirming the tonic key
7
Q
monothematic exposition
A
- in sonata form, theme 2 is a transposed version of theme 1
- frequently employed by Haydn
8
Q
oratorio
A
- large scale choral work
- generally based on sacred subjects
- performed in a concert setting without scenery, costumes, or acting
- performing forces: vocal soloists, chorus, and orchestra
9
Q
opera buffa
A
- Italian comic opera
- sung throughout with no spoken dialogue
- featured down-to-earth characters fast-paced plots, and sexual innuendo
10
Q
modified sonata form
A
- an abbreviated sonata form
- contains an Exposition and Recap, but no Development
11
Q
terzetto
A
- Italian for “trio”
- a musical number for 3 voices (characters)
12
Q
trouser role
A
- a male character performed by a soprano, mezzo soprano, or contralto
- roles originally created for male castrati were frequently turned into trouser roles in modern performances
13
Q
Singspiel
A
- German comic opera
- contains spoken dialogue
14
Q
cadenza
A
- solo passage found in concertos and arias
- displays virtuosity of the soloist(s)
- improvised by the soloist
15
Q
double exposition
A
- used in the first movement of a Classical concerto
- orchestral exposition introduces the principal themes and establishes the tonic key
- solo exposition follows, the soloist is supported by the orchestra, restates the first theme and initiates the modulation away from the tonic key
16
Q
tremolo
A
- a rapid alternation between 2 notes or between notes of chord
17
Q
rondo
A
- ABACA or ABACABA
- Section A must be heard at least 3 times in the tonic
- Section B and C offer contrasts in key and thematic material
18
Q
chamber music
A
- music for small ensemble
- one player per part
- usually performed without conductor
19
Q
string quartet
A
- most popular chamber ensemble of Classical era
- 2 violins, viola, cello
- also refers to a composition written for this ensemble (4 movements)
20
Q
piano quintet
A
- chamber ensemble consisting of piano and 4 other instruments
- most common: string quartet, piano, and others
21
Q
theme and variations
A
- a work featuring a statement of 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 sonata cycle
