Classical Music

Question 1

State the time period of Classical music:

Answer 1

1750-1810

Question 2

Describe the texture:

Answer 2

The texture is cleaner and lighter (than Baroque), mainly homophonic (melody and accompaniment)

Question 3

Describe the melodies:

Answer 3

Melodies are shorter, with clear-cut phrases and clearly marked cadences.

Question 4

How was the Orchestra during this period?

Answer 4

The Orchestra grew, the harpsichord and continuo fell out and the pianoforte became very popular. Composers started using wind instruments.

Question 5

What is a Symphony? Describe it:

Answer 5

A symphony is a multi-movement for orchestra. It consists of 4 movements:

1st movement: Fairly fast, usually in sonata form

2nd movement: at a slower speed, more song-like, often in Ternary form/Theme and Variations/Sonata form

3rd movement: minuet and trio

4th movement: at a fast speed, usually light-hearted mood, rondo/sonata form/theme and variations.

Question 6

What are the differences between Baroque and Classical music?

Answer 6

During the Classical period, instrumental music became more popular than vocal music. Terraced dynamics fell out, and crescendos and diminuendos were used instead. Ornamentation was also used way less.

Question 7

Define Singspiel:

Answer 7

A type of opera in which singing is mixed with spoken word.

Question 8

Define the term Alberti Bass:

Answer 8

It is a type of broken chord accompaniment.

Question 9

Describe the Sonata Form:

Answer 9

The Sonata Form was used in the first movements of sonatas, symphonies, string quartets and concertos.

It consists of 3 sections:

1. Exposition- the themes are exposed for the first time.
2. Development- the themes are developed/explored.
3. Recapitulation- the themes are brought back in their original version.

Question 10

Describe the Classical Concerto:

Answer 10

Most Classical concertos are solo concertos just for 1 soloist (the Concerto Grosso fell out). The Concerto has 3 movements: fairly fast-slow-fast. The first movements is a modified version of the sonata form, with 2 expositions. At the end of the recapitulation, the orchestra stops and the soloist performs a cadenza- a showy passage, where the soloist can improvise or compose.

Question 11

How can Classical music be identified?

Answer 11

By the homophonic texture, and by the phrasing- music features balanced phrases made up of 2 or 4 measures.

Question 12

How did the pianoforte influence Classical music?

Answer 12

Music was mostly based on the pianoforte, and because of this terraced dynamics fell out and were replaced by gradually changing dynamics.

Question 13

What are some forms present in Classical music?

Answer 13

• Sonata form
• Rondo form
• Theme and Variations