Classical Era

Question 1

sonata cycle

Answer 1

• a multi-movement structure

- occurs in the symphony, sonata, and concerto

Question 2

sonata form

Answer 2

• a formal structure often used in first movement of a sonata cycle
• consists of Exposition, Development, and Recapitulation

Question 3

exposition

Answer 3

• 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

Question 4

development

Answer 4

• 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

Question 5

recapitulation

Answer 5

• the third section in sonata form

- first and second themes are both restated in the tonic

Question 6

coda

Answer 6

• Latin for “tail”

- A concluding section reaffirming the tonic key

Question 7

monothematic exposition

Answer 7

• in sonata form, theme 2 is a transposed version of theme 1

- frequently employed by Haydn

Question 8

oratorio

Answer 8

• 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

Question 9

opera buffa

Answer 9

• Italian comic opera
• sung throughout with no spoken dialogue
• featured down-to-earth characters fast-paced plots, and sexual innuendo

Question 10

modified sonata form

Answer 10

• an abbreviated sonata form

- contains an Exposition and Recap, but no Development

Question 11

terzetto

Answer 11

• Italian for “trio”

- a musical number for 3 voices (characters)

Question 12

trouser role

Answer 12

• 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

Question 13

Singspiel

Answer 13

• German comic opera

- contains spoken dialogue

Question 14

cadenza

Answer 14

• solo passage found in concertos and arias
• displays virtuosity of the soloist(s)
• improvised by the soloist

Question 15

double exposition

Answer 15

• 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

Question 16

tremolo

Answer 16

• a rapid alternation between 2 notes or between notes of chord

Question 17

rondo

Answer 17

• 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

Question 18

chamber music

Answer 18

• music for small ensemble
• one player per part
• usually performed without conductor

Question 19

string quartet

Answer 19

• most popular chamber ensemble of Classical era
• 2 violins, viola, cello
• also refers to a composition written for this ensemble (4 movements)

Question 20

piano quintet

Answer 20

• chamber ensemble consisting of piano and 4 other instruments
• most common: string quartet, piano, and others

Question 21

theme and variations

Answer 21

• 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