Classical Music Flashcards
(23 cards)
Common characteristics of Classical music
Graceful melodies, clear-cut and balanced phrases, homophonic, emphasis on elegance and beauty of melody, simpler textures and melodies.
What were the three main chords of the Classical era?
I, IV, and V
What is a symphony?
Meaning ‘sounding together’, it is a large-scale work for full orchestra.
What is the first movement of a symphony?
A fairly fast tempo (sometimes with a slow introduction). Makes use of structure known as Sonata Form.
What is the second movement of a symphony?
A slow tempo, more lyrical and song-like. Often in ternary form, or theme and variation.
What is the third movement of a symphony?
Haydn and Mozart wrote a Minuet and Trio at this point; a bright dance with three beats in the bar. Beethoven transformed it into a much faster and more vigorous Scherzo.
What is the fourth movement of a symphony?
A fast tempo, and often light-hearted in mood. Commonly structured in rondo form, or sonata form, or even a mixture of both.
What makes up the Sonata form?
Exposition, Development, Recapitulation, Coda
What is the exposition?
1st subject (tonic), transition (changing key), 2nd subject (new key)
What is the development?
Developing ideas from the exposition, adding new ideas, exploring new keys
What is the recapitulation?
1st subject (tonic), transition (altered), 2nd subject (tonic)
What is the coda?
An extended ending section comprising some themes previously used
What is a concerto?
A large-scale work for a solo instrument and orchestra, generally comprising of three movements
What are the movements of a concerto?
The same as the symphony, but without the third movement
What features in the first movement of a concerto?
Cadenza
What is a Cadenza?
A passage in the music designed to give the soloist the opportunity to demonstrate their musical technique. It is played without orchestral accompaniment and often ends with a trill, to let the orchestra know when they are finished.
Where were Cadenza’s placed?
Towards the end of the recapitulation
What is chamber music?
Music that is written to be performed by a small group of musicians, where only one musician would be playing each part
What is an Alberti Bass?
A type of broken chord accompaniment that is repeated in the left hand (1, 5, 3, 5). It was often used to support the characteristic ‘graceful’ melodies, in clear-cut and balanced phrases.
Why do people think Beethoven should be classed in a period of his own?
He almost singlehandedly bridges the gap between the Classical and Romantic eras
What is a Neapolitan 6th chord?
Flattened second chord in the first inversion
What chord is made up of minor third intervals?
Diminished chord
What chord is made up of major third intervals?
Augmented chord
