Classical Period

Question 1

What years encompass the classical period?

Answer 1

1750- 1820

Question 2

“Age of enlightenment”-

Answer 2

philosophers and writers saw this as their time as a turning point in history. They believed in progress, and that reason (not custom or tradition), was the best guide for human conduct. It began to usurp the authority of the social and religious establishment

Question 3

Rococo style

Answer 3

a style with light colors, curved lines, and graceful ornaments; was superseded by the neoclassical style

Question 4

Neoclassical style

Answer 4

attempted to recapture the “noble simplicity and calm grandeur” of ancient Greek and Roman art; emphasised clear structure and firm lines

Question 5

Characteristics of classical style: rhythms, mood changes, melodies, polyphonic/homophonic?

Answer 5

Rhythm adds variety and is filled with unexpected pauses, syncopations, and frequent changes of note length. Classical music contains a great variety and contrast of mood; the mood will change suddenly or gradually, and may even shift the theme itself. Classical melodies are tuneful and easy to remember; sounds are balanced and symmetrical because it’s made up of two parts of the same length; second phrase ends more conclusively. It is basically homophonic, but the texture is flexible and can shift from homophonic to polyphonic.

Question 6

Classical Dynamics

Answer 6

Classical composers use a gradual change in dynamics to bring on emotional change; crescendo and decrescendo

Question 7

Typical classical orchestra contains?

Answer 7

strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion

Question 8

Political and economic power of classical period?

Answer 8

more people earned higher wages, people could afford better things, middle class had huge influence on music, power moved to middle class and not the nobility

Question 9

Middle class wanted aristocratic luxuries such as…?

Answer 9

theatre, literature, and music

Question 10

What was Haydn’s social standing?

Answer 10

a “highly skilled servant”

Question 11

What is the name of a fragment of a theme?

Answer 11

motive

Question 12

The character of a minuet can be described as?

Answer 12

it’s dance-like; stately and dignified

Question 13

Beethoven prefered ___________ instead of the minuet.

Answer 13

scherzo

Question 14

How does the scherzo differ from the minuet?

Answer 14

the scherzo is a lot faster

Question 15

What is the definition of Symphony?

Answer 15

an extended composition, lasting between 20 and 45 minutes, exploiting the expanded range of tone color and dynamics of the classical orchestra

Question 16

What is the usual order of movements in a classical symphony?

Answer 16

dramatic fast movement, lyrical slow movement, dance-like movement, heroic fast movement

Question 17

What is a concerto?

Answer 17

a three- movement work for for an instrumental soloist and orchestra, lasts between 20 and 45 minutes, combines soloist’s musicality with orchestra’s wide range of tone colors, first and last movements may contain a cadenza

Question 18

Define a cadenza

Answer 18

a unaccompanied showpiece for the soloist

Question 19

What is chamber music and what is considered to be the most important form of it?

Answer 19

it is written for the intimate setting of a room in a home or a palace; every voice is important and they share the same theme; the chamber music group is a team without a conductor; it normally has four movements. The most important form of it is the string quartet.

Question 20

What is a string quartet?

Answer 20

two violins, a viola, and a cello

Question 21

What is the biggest difference between a symphony/concerto and chamber music?

Answer 21

A symphony has many players on a part; chamber music has only one player on a part

Question 22

What family did Haydn work for?

Answer 22

the Esterhazys, the richest and most powerful of the Hungarian nobles

Question 23

What were Haydn’s duties?

Answer 23

he composed all music requested by his patron, conducted the orchestra, coached singers, and oversaw the instruments and music library

Question 24

Where did Haydn travel to twice and perform his music?

Answer 24

London

Question 25

What is considered to be the most important works which Haydn wrote?

Answer 25

his 104 symphonies and his 68 string quartets

Question 26

How old was Mozart when he was on tour?

Answer 26

between the ages of 6 and 15

Question 27

Why did Mozart compose a requiem?

Answer 27

a stranger carrying an anonymous letter commissioned one, and as Mozart grew more sick, he came to believe the requiem was for himself and finished it on his deathbed

Question 28

Who is Don Giovanni (Don Juan) in Mozart’s opera?

Answer 28

a legendary Spanish lover who is a seductive and ruthless nobleman who will stop at nothing to appease his sexual appetite

Question 29

What is unique of Mozart’s Symphony No. 40 for its time?

Answer 29

it contained music emotional intensity

Question 30

Who did Beethoven compose his Third Symphony for?

Answer 30

Napoleon Bonaparte

Question 31

Who was Beethoven?

Answer 31

he was born in Germany to a family of musicians, he served as an assistant to the court organist, studied with Haydn, believed an artist deserved as much respect as nobility, he grew deaf in his old age, he composed many works and compositions, represents highest level of musical genius to many people

Question 32

Beethoven wrote 16 _________ which are considered the greatest music ever composed.

Answer 32

string quartets

Question 33

Beethoven bridges the ___________ and ___________.

Answer 33

Classical Period and Romantic Period

Question 34

What is the opening motive of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony?

Answer 34

the four-note motive; short short short long; to represent fake knocking at the door

Question 35

What is the name of Beethoven’s only opera?

Answer 35

Fidelio

Question 36

Joseph Haydn
(How did they live? What were their pasts like? How did they earn money? What music did they write? Did they prefer one musical form over another? Did they travel? What were they know for?)

Answer 36

Haydn was born in a tiny Austrian village, age of 8, he went to Vienna to serve as a choirboy. Once his voice changed, he was dismissed. Struggling to make money, he gave music lessons to children and played the violin in street bands. At 29, he entered the service of the most rich and powerful of the Hungarian noble families. As a highly skilled servant, he wrote performances and compositions for that family. He performed all over Europe, and eventually returned to Vienna. He wrote 104 symphonies and 68 string quartets. He was a master of developing themes and classical style. Many people believe he invented the string quartet, and is known for Trumpet Concerto in E Flat Major. He believed that art is free; he did not agree with the concept of rules for composition.

Question 37

Wolfgang Mozart

Answer 37

born in Austria, and was one of the most amazing child prodigies in history. He could play several instruments by age six, and wrote his first symphony at age 8. He wrote his first opera at age 12. He toured in Europe and Italy until age 15. He then returned to Austria at 15, but was not accepted by the leader there. He then returned to Italy at age 25, and stayed there the rest of his life. He earned money by publishing music, doing concerts, and training students. However, he died in debt. He wrote the operas Don Giovanni and The Marriage of Figaro. He died writing a requiem mass of the dead, that he thought would be for him. He is most known for being the most versatile composer.

Question 38

Ludwig Beethoven

Answer 38

born in Germany to a family of musicians. At age 11, he first began performing as a backup for the concert organist. At 12, he had his first piano composition published. At 16, he performed for Mozart. He studied under Haydn, but secretly went to another teacher as well. Three nobleman promised they would provide his income if he stayed in Vienna. He moved there at age 22 and stayed there the rest of his life. He gave piano lessons, performed concerts, and wrote compositions. His music was very well-organized, but he was a sloppy dresser and very messy. He often dealt unfairly with publishers. His early work was influenced by Haydn, but later he developed his own style. He tried to unify his music more than Haydn or Mozart. It took him years to write a symphony; he carried music books with him everywhere. At 29, he began going deaf. He became depressed, and after that-his music style changed greatly. It had new power and heroism. His Ninth Symphony is his best loved and most known piece; he wrote it when he was deaf.