Exam 2 Flashcards
first movement
written in sonata form, in a fast tempo (allegro), and in the home key of the overall piece
second movement
usually written in a slow tempo, in another key, and in one of a variety of forms such as theme and variations, compound ternary form, rondo, or sonata
third movement
usually consists of three sections. First you hear the minuet or scherzo itself. Then comes a contrasting section (often for a smaller group of instruments) called a trio. Finally, the minuet or scherzo section comes back again
fourth movement
(the finale) is almost always fast and exciting
rondo
a musical form that contains a principal theme which alternates with one or more contrasting themes, generally called “episodes”
chamber music
instrumental music played by a small ensemble, with one player to a part, the most important form being the string quartet which developed in the 18th century
Joseph Haydn
1732-1809 was an Austrian composer who was one of the most important figures in the development of the Classical style
rounded binary
the material at the beginning of the first section returns, often shortened, after a contrasting phrase at the beginning of the second section
symphony
an orchestra’s large-scale musical composition, usually requiring 50-80 instruments
18th Century Orchestra
came to consist of strings (first and second violins, violas, violoncellos, and double basses), two flutes, two oboes, two clarinets, two bassoons, two or four horns, two trumpets, and two timpani.
Paris Symphonies
group of six symphonies written by Joseph Haydn commissioned by the Count D’Ogny, Grandmaster of the Masonic Loge Olympique
London Symphonies
group of twelve symphonies composed by Joseph Haydn between 1791 and 1795
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
(1756-1791) was one of the most influential, popular and prolific composers of the classical period
divertimento
a light and entertaining composition, typically one in the form of a suite for chamber orchestra
serenade
a cantata with a pastoral subject, a simple form of suite for orchestra or wind band
Sonata-allegro form
a type of composition in three sections (exposition, development, and recapitulation) in which two themes or subjects are explored according to set key relationships. It forms the basis for much classical music, including the sonata, symphony, and concerto
exposition
the part of a movement, especially in sonata form, in which the principal themes are first presented
recapitulation
a part of a movement (especially one in sonata form) in which themes from the exposition are restated
minuet and trio
a style of music with two contrasting musical themes, written in triple time, usually with an emphasis on the first beat. (minuet trio minuet) = ternary ABA
Classical concerto
composition usually composed in three parts or movements, in which (usually) one solo instrument (for instance, a piano, violin, cello or flute) is accompanied by an orchestra or concert band
first movement concerto form
usually set at a moderate to fast tempo. It is also usually the longest movement and uses a variant of the sonata form
Ludwig van Beethoven
1770-1827 German composer and pianist, goes deaf
Beethoven’s 1st Period (to 1802)
Beethoven uses the language of Viennese classicism established by earlier composers, above all Haydn and Mozart. Here the emphasis is on clarity, restraint, and balance. In this period Beethoven also writes many smaller pieces for ready public consumption — dances, variations on familiar tunes, etc.
Beethoven’s 2nd Period (1802-1812)
(Also his “heroic” period) 10 astoundingly productive years come most of the pieces that audiences think of as “the famous Beethoven,” such as the Fifth Symphony, the Violin Concerto, and the opera “Fidelio.” Going beyond the conventions of classicism and writing with a bolder, more individual tone. To many listeners, pieces from this period, such as the Fifth, seem to go beyond the simply musical, to grapple with human themes such as struggle, assertion, or celebration. Beethoven develops his technique of taking a simple theme, and working out its implications for maximum effect. This period also sees Beethoven working out his own approach to the symphony — which will exert immense influence on later composers.
Beethoven’s 3rd Period (1812-1827)
Many of Beethoven’s works are now for smaller forces, especially string quartet and solo piano. There are no more concertos, and fewer symphonies. The earlier urgency gives way to moods that have been described by words such as “interior,” “contemplative” and “visionary.”
Sometimes pieces are no longer organized by standard designs (such as a three-movement sonata), but by some freer plan — without any loss of musical depth. In fact, these final works are often called the most challenging that Beethoven wrote, and the greatest.
Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony
DUN DUN DUN DUN! The Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67, also known as the Fate Symphony, is a symphony composed by Ludwig van Beethoven between 1804 and 1808
Beethoven’s Symphony No.3, the “Eroica”
The Symphony No. 3 in E♭ major, Op. 55, is a symphony in four movements by Ludwig van Beethoven. One of Beethoven’s most celebrated works, the Eroica symphony is a large-scale composition that marked the beginning of the composer’s innovative “middle period”
