Classical vocabulary Flashcards
Describe ‘rondo form’
a formal structure in which the opening section returns two or more times, separated by contrasting sections: ABACA or ABACABA (or variants thereof)
Section A is heard at least 3x in the tonic key
Sections B & C offer contrasts in key and thematic material
[p. 130]
Define and describe ‘overture.’
an orchestral work preceding an opera or oratorio
frequently made use of sonata form
in the 18th century, composers often quoted themes that would be heard later in the opera
[p. 123]
Which genre in which era often used the ‘double exposition’ form?
first movement of Classical concerto
[p. 118]
How are ‘trouser roles’ often used today?
roles originally created for male castrati are frequently turned into trouser roles in modern performances
[p. 123]
When was modified sonata form developed?
in the 18th century
[p. 123]
What period of history is defined as the Classical era?
ca. 1750 - ca. 1825
[p. 103]
Define coda
a concluding section reaffirming the tonic key
[p. 108]
Define ‘oratorio’ and list its components.
a large scale work for soloists, chorus, and orchestra
serious subject, generally based on biblical texts
consists of recitatives, arias, ensembles, and choruses
performed in a concert setting without scenery, costumes, or acting
[p. 112]
Which composer frequently employed monothematic expositions?
Haydn
[p. 105]
What is the origin of the word ‘sonata?’
from Italian sonere, meaning “to sound”
[p. 130]
What is the “Mannheim rocket”?
a rising arpeggiated figure originally introduced in compositions of the Mannheim School
Translate and define terzetto.
Italian for “trio”
a musical number for three voices/characters
[p. 123]
During what era did the sonata cycle emerge?
Classical era
[p. 103]
Define ‘monothematic exposition’
in sonata form: the second theme is a transposed version of the first theme
[p. 105]
Define and describe ‘recapitulation.’
the third main section in sonata form
1st & 2nd themes are both restated in the tonic
[p. 105]
When and why did the oratorio flourish?
in Italy during the Baroque era, partly because of the Roman Catholic Church’s ban on opera performances during the Lenten season.
[online]
Translate recitativo accompagnato
Italian for “accompanied recitative”
[p. 112]
Describe the genre ‘string quartet.’
refers to a composition written for a string quartet ensemble, generally in four movements: fast-slow-medium-fast
[p. 137]
Define and describe ‘development.’
the second main section in sonata form
themes from the exposition are manipulated through fragmentation, sequential treatment, or changes to orchestration; modulations and increased harmonic tension
new themes may also be introduced
[p. 105]
What major shift characterizes the 20th century oratorio?
from sacred to secular subject matter
Define and describe opera buffa.
Italian comic opera
sugn throughout with no spoken dialogue
featured down-to-earth characters, fast-paced plots, farce, and sexual innuendo
[p. 123]
List the instruments in a string quartet.
- Violin I
- Violin II
- Viola
- Cello
[p. 137]
What are similarities between opera and oratorio?
use soloists, chorus, and orchestra
consist of recitatives, arias, ensembles, choruses
What genres use the sonata cycle form?
- symphony
- sonata
- concerto
[p. 103]
Define ‘modified sonata form’
an abbreviated sonata form
contains an exposition and recapitulation, but no development
[p. 123]
What was distinctive about Handel’s adaptation of the oratorio from an Italian model to an English one?
- English texts
- special emphasis on the role of the chorus
[online]
Define ‘sonata’
an instrumental genre for one or two instruments, generally with several contrasting movements
in the Classical era, usually at least one movement was in sonata form
[p. 130]
What was the most popular chamber ensemble of the Classical era?
string quartet
[p. 137]
Define and describe a cadenza.
solo passage found in concertos and arias
either improvised by the soloist or composed in an improvisatory style
displays virtuosity of soloist/s
[p. 118]
Define and describe ‘double exposition’
a modified version of sonata form
orchestral exposition introduces the principal themes and established the tonic key
solo exposition follows: the soloist, supported by the orchestra, restates the first theme and initiates the modulation away from the tonic key, usually introducing a new theme for the solo instrument
[p. 118]
Define recitativo accompagnato
recitative supported by instrumental ensemble or orchestra
[p. 112]
What is a synonym for ‘sonata form?’
sonata-allegro form
[p. 105]
Define Singspiel
German comic opera
contains spoken dialogue
[p. 123]
Define ‘sonata form’ and how it is used.
a formal structure often used in the first movement of a sonata cycle; consists of:
- Exposition - statement of two or more contrasting themes
- Development - departure
- Recapitulation - return
[p. 105]
The Italian term oratorio is derived from…
the place in which such works were first performed - the “oratory” or prayer room in a church.
[online]
What are primary differences between opera and oratorio?
Opera can be any subject. Oratorio is usually serious, biblical.
Opera is staged, with costumes, sets, and acting. Oratorios are performed in concert setting.
Define ‘chamber music’
music for small ensemble (2-10 players)
one player per part
usually performed without a conductor
[p. 137]
Define and describe ‘exposition.’
the first main section in sonata form
two contrasting themes are stated
Theme 1 is in tonic key
the second theme/s are in a contrasting key; generally in the dominant or relative major
[p. 105]
Define and describe ‘Classicism.’
refers to the cultures of ancient Rome and Greece as well as the art, architecture, and music of the late 18th century
adheres to principles of symmetry, balance, and proportion
emphasis on excellence, enduring value, and timeless quality
[p. 103]
Translate coda
Latin cauda, meaning “tail”
[p. 105]
Define ‘trouser role’
a male character performed by a soprano, mezzo-soprano, or contralto
[p. 123]
