Classical Era Test Flashcards
Who were the 3 most influential classical-era composers?
F. J. Haydn, W.A. Mozart, and L.V. Beethoven
What are the genres of the classical era?
Sonata, Symphony, and String Quartet
What is a Sonata?
a chamber piece for piano alone or solo instrument with piano. usually in 3 movements
What is a Symphony?
large scale work for orchestra. usually in 4 movements
What is a String Quartet?
chamber work for 2 violins, a viola and a cello. usually in 4 movements
What is the usual Sonata/Concerto movement scheme?
I - fast
II - slow
III - fast
What is the usually Symphony/String Quartet movement scheme?
I - fast
II - slow
III - minuet
IV - fast
What are the different types of opera?
Opera Seria and Opera Buffa
What is an Opera Seria?
Serious, dramatic, tragic opera
What is an Opera Buffa?
Light-hearted, comic opera
What did Beethoven contribute to the music world?
He was a master at composing longer and longer pieces and at sustaining huge development sections.
His symphonies, string quartets and piano music was still considered some of the greatest of all time.
Why was sonata form so important?
It gave composers a format to develop ideas rather than just state them
