Classical vocabulary

Question 1

Describe ‘rondo form’

Answer 1

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]

Question 2

Define and describe ‘overture.’

Answer 2

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]

Question 3

Which genre in which era often used the ‘double exposition’ form?

Answer 3

first movement of Classical concerto

[p. 118]

Question 4

How are ‘trouser roles’ often used today?

Answer 4

roles originally created for male castrati are frequently turned into trouser roles in modern performances

[p. 123]

Question 5

When was modified sonata form developed?

Answer 5

in the 18th century

[p. 123]

Question 6

What period of history is defined as the Classical era?

Answer 6

ca. 1750 - ca. 1825

[p. 103]

Question 7

Define coda

Answer 7

a concluding section reaffirming the tonic key

[p. 108]

Question 8

Define ‘oratorio’ and list its components.

Answer 8

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]

Question 9

Which composer frequently employed monothematic expositions?

Answer 9

Haydn

[p. 105]

Question 10

What is the origin of the word ‘sonata?’

Answer 10

from Italian sonere, meaning “to sound”

[p. 130]

Question 11

What is the “Mannheim rocket”?

Answer 11

a rising arpeggiated figure originally introduced in compositions of the Mannheim School

Question 12

Translate and define terzetto.

Answer 12

Italian for “trio”

a musical number for three voices/characters

[p. 123]

Question 13

During what era did the sonata cycle emerge?

Answer 13

Classical era

[p. 103]

Question 14

Define ‘monothematic exposition’

Answer 14

in sonata form: the second theme is a transposed version of the first theme

[p. 105]

Question 15

Define and describe ‘recapitulation.’

Answer 15

the third main section in sonata form

1st & 2nd themes are both restated in the tonic

[p. 105]

Question 16

When and why did the oratorio flourish?

Answer 16

in Italy during the Baroque era, partly because of the Roman Catholic Church’s ban on opera performances during the Lenten season.

[online]

Question 17

Translate recitativo accompagnato

Answer 17

Italian for “accompanied recitative”

[p. 112]

Question 18

Describe the genre ‘string quartet.’

Answer 18

refers to a composition written for a string quartet ensemble, generally in four movements: fast-slow-medium-fast

[p. 137]

Question 19

Define and describe ‘development.’

Answer 19

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]

Question 20

What major shift characterizes the 20th century oratorio?

Answer 20

from sacred to secular subject matter

Question 21

Define and describe opera buffa.

Answer 21

Italian comic opera

sugn throughout with no spoken dialogue

featured down-to-earth characters, fast-paced plots, farce, and sexual innuendo

[p. 123]

Question 22

List the instruments in a string quartet.

Answer 22

• Violin I
• Violin II
• Viola
• Cello

[p. 137]

Question 23

What are similarities between opera and oratorio?

Answer 23

use soloists, chorus, and orchestra

consist of recitatives, arias, ensembles, choruses

Question 24

What genres use the sonata cycle form?

Answer 24

• symphony
• sonata
• concerto

[p. 103]

Question 25

Define ‘modified sonata form’

Answer 25

an abbreviated sonata form

contains an exposition and recapitulation, but no development

[p. 123]

Question 26

What was distinctive about Handel’s adaptation of the oratorio from an Italian model to an English one?

Answer 26

• English texts
• special emphasis on the role of the chorus

[online]

Question 27

Define ‘sonata’

Answer 27

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]

Question 28

What was the most popular chamber ensemble of the Classical era?

Answer 28

string quartet

[p. 137]

Question 29

Define and describe a cadenza.

Answer 29

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]

Question 30

Define and describe ‘double exposition’

Answer 30

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]

Question 31

Define recitativo accompagnato

Answer 31

recitative supported by instrumental ensemble or orchestra

[p. 112]

Question 32

What is a synonym for ‘sonata form?’

Answer 32

sonata-allegro form

[p. 105]

Question 33

Define Singspiel

Answer 33

German comic opera

contains spoken dialogue

[p. 123]

Question 34

Define ‘sonata form’ and how it is used.

Answer 34

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]

Question 35

The Italian term oratorio is derived from…

Answer 35

the place in which such works were first performed - the “oratory” or prayer room in a church.

[online]

Question 36

What are primary differences between opera and oratorio?

Answer 36

Opera can be any subject. Oratorio is usually serious, biblical.

Opera is staged, with costumes, sets, and acting. Oratorios are performed in concert setting.

Question 37

Define ‘chamber music’

Answer 37

music for small ensemble (2-10 players)

one player per part

usually performed without a conductor

[p. 137]

Question 38

Define and describe ‘exposition.’

Answer 38

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]

Question 39

Define and describe ‘Classicism.’

Answer 39

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]

Question 40

Translate coda

Answer 40

Latin cauda, meaning “tail”

[p. 105]

Question 41

Define ‘trouser role’

Answer 41

a male character performed by a soprano, mezzo-soprano, or contralto

[p. 123]