Classical Music

Question 1

Important Classical Composers

Answer 1

Mozart

Beethoven

Haydn

Question 2

Instrumentation

Answer 2

The piano replaced the harpsichord as the main keyboard instrument, which lead to a huge change in the way keyboard instruments were written for

The clarinet was invented and added to the orchestra

The Classical orchestra consists of…
Strings: Violins, violas, cellos, double basses
Woodwind: 2 flutes, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons
Brass: 2 trumpets and 2 French horns
Percussion: Timpani

Question 3

Theme and Variation

Answer 3

The composer starts with a theme which is a memorable melody and accompaniment
Once the theme has been played the composer then repeats it, but varies it is some way. This is called Variation 1
Once Variation 1 has been played, the composer repeats the theme again but will play it another way thus creating Variation 2
This process is repeated as many times as the composer. Each variation is different, but will play it another way, thus the origional theme in some way

Question 4

Symphony

Answer 4

Is large-scale work for full orchestra, usually in 3, 4 or 5 movements

Question 5

Alberti Bass

Answer 5

An Alberti Bass (a special version of broken chords in the bass line - a broken chord is simply when the notes of a chord are played one at a time) is used extensively in the accompaniment

Question 6

Imitation

Answer 6

Where an instrument or voice copies what another instrument or voice has just played or sung

Question 7

Arco

Answer 7

Playing a string instrument using a bow

Question 8

Pizzicato

Answer 8

Plucking a string instrument with your finger

Question 9

Binary (AB)

Answer 9

The music will have a section A then a section B

Question 10

Ternary (ABA)

Answer 10

The first section of music (A) will play, the second section of music (B) will then be something totally different, then (A) will come back again to finish the piece off
Because section B is different we call this an “episode”

Question 11

Rondo (ABACA…)

Answer 11

Section A will start first and keeps coming back after section B, and C which will be different

Question 12

Strophic

Answer 12

Each verse has different lyrics but the same music

Question 13

Counter Melody

Answer 13

A counter melody is a melody played by another instrument or voice that subtly plays along with the main tune

Question 14

Descant

Answer 14

A type of counter melody for voice

The descant will sound over and above (higher) than the main melody

Question 15

Perfect Cadence

Answer 15

The musical phrase or piece will sound finished

Question 16

Imperfect Cadence

Answer 16

The musical phrase or piece will not sound finished