Classical Music Flashcards
Match the Classical Music Pieces, Year, & Reason for Popularity to the Composer who Wrote the Piece
Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125 (“Choral Symphony”)
Year: 1824
Known for its final movement, “Ode to Joy,” this symphony is celebrated for its emotional depth, innovative structure, and powerful choral finale, symbolizing universal brotherhood.
Ludwig van Beethoven
The Four Seasons
Year: 1723
This set of four violin concertos vividly depicts the seasons through music, showcasing the composer’s mastery of baroque composition and his ability to evoke natural imagery.
Antonio Vivaldi
Eine kleine Nachtmusik, K. 525
Year: 1787
This serenade is one of the composer’s most famous works, beloved for its lively, elegant melodies and enduring charm.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Canon in D
Year: Circa 1680-1706
Known for its serene and harmonious progression, this piece is a favorite at weddings and other ceremonial events, epitomizing baroque beauty
Johann Pachelbel
Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67
Year: 1808
Recognizable by its iconic four-note motif, this symphony is celebrated for its dramatic intensity and innovative use of musical themes.
Ludwig van Beethoven
Clair de Lune
Year: 1905
This piano piece, part of the “Suite Bergamasque,” is admired for its dreamy, impressionistic style and gentle, flowing melody.
Claude Debussy
Rhapsody in Blue
Year: 1924
A groundbreaking piece that blends classical music with jazz influences, it is known for its vibrant rhythms and innovative use of orchestration.
George Gershwin
The Nutcracker Suite, Op. 71a
Year: 1892
Featuring memorable dances like the “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” and the “Waltz of the Flowers,” this suite is a staple of holiday performances worldwide.
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Symphony No. 40 in G minor, K. 550
Year: 1788
Known for its expressive intensity and emotional depth, this symphony is a prime example of the composer’s genius in classical form.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Boléro
Year: 1928
Famous for its hypnotic rhythm and gradual crescendo, “Boléro” is a masterpiece of orchestration and repetitive structure.
Maurice Ravel
Symphony No. 6 in B minor, Op. 74 (“Pathétique”)
Year: 1893
Known for its deep emotional range and tragic finale, this symphony is one of the composer’s most personal and powerful works.
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Carmen Suite No. 1
Year: 1875
This suite, derived from the opera “Carmen,” features vibrant and memorable melodies that capture the drama and passion of the original work.
Georges Bizet
Adagio for Strings, Op. 11
Year: 1936
Known for its profound emotional impact and use in various films and memorial services, this piece is a staple of American classical music.
Samuel Barber
Moonlight Sonata (Piano Sonata No. 14 in C-sharp minor, Op. 27, No. 2)
Year: 1801
Famous for its hauntingly beautiful first movement, this sonata is a favorite among pianists and music lovers for its expressive depth.
Ludwig van Beethoven
Ride of the Valkyries
Year: 1856
This piece, from the opera “Die Walküre,” is iconic for its powerful and dramatic motif, often associated with heroic and cinematic imagery.
Richard Wagner
