Classical music - features of style

Question 1

When was style galant most popular?

Answer 1

1750s

Question 2

Which composer is best associated with style galant?

Answer 2

Johann Stamitz

Question 3

How would you describe a melody of the style galant period?

Answer 3

Simple
Balanced
4 bar phrases
Diatonic with some chromaticism
Use of sequences
Conjunct movement
Triadic/arpeggiated movement
Antecedent and consequent phrasing
Fragmented

Question 4

How would you describe the harmony of the style galant period?

Answer 4

Simple
Predictable
Use of cadences
Primary chords
Modulations to related keys i.e. dominant or relative major/minor
Functional harmony
Use of root position and inversion chords
Dominant 7ths
Some diminished chords

Question 5

What Mannheim musical features can you list/name?

Answer 5

Hammerstroke, Steamroller, Birdies, Sigh, Grand Pause, Skyrocket

Question 6

How does style galant differ from Baroque music?

Answer 6

Less drama
Less sudden dynamic changes
More focus on major tonalities
Clear 4 bar phrases
Mel dom hom vs. fugual/contrapuntal textures
More functional and diatonic harmony vs. diminished chords and use of chromaticism/modulations to multiple keys

Question 7

What is the Age of Enlightenment?

Answer 7

The period of Classical music with a shift of focus towards balance and symmetry - to emulate the classical and artistic heritage of Roman and Greek times

Question 8

What is empfindsamer stil?

Answer 8

A style of music that’s a medium between Baroque and style galant; some chromaticism, diminished harmony, drama, sudden changes of dynamics and minor tonality but more structure and clearer texture than Baroque

Question 9

What is the Rococo period?

Answer 9

1720 - 1770
A transition period from Baroque to Classical music
Style galant and empfindsamer stil belong to the category of the Rococo period