Final Flashcards
classical period years
1750-1800
characteristics of classical music
contrast in mood
rhythm- lots of contrast and patterns
texture- mostly homo but some poly
melody- tuneful and easy to remember
dynamics and the piano- gradual dynamic changes, these dynamics paved the way for the piano to take over the harpsichord
end of the basso continuo
less improvising b/c composed wanted more control
the classical orchestra
4 sections of instruments
size varied but more than baroque orchestra
composes exploited individual tone colors of instruments
strings are the most important section
woodwinds add contrasting tone colors and melodic solos
brass brought power and filled out harmony
percussion for rhythmic emphasis
classical forms
usually 4 mov:
1) fast 2) slow 3) dance-like 4) fast
symphony- for orch
string quartet-2 violins, 1 viola, 1 cello
sonata- 1 or 2 instruments
sonata form
refers to the for of a single mov.
3 main sections:
1) expostion- themes presented
2) development- themes treated in new ways
3) recapitulation- themes return
4) sometimes there’s a final section called the coda
theme and variations
basic musical idea (theme) is repeated over and over and changed w/ time
changes of melody, rhythm, harmony, accompaniment, dynamics, and tone color
minuet and trio
form often used as the 3rd mov. of classical symphonies, string quartets etc.
originated as dance, stately and dignified dance where the couple exchanged bows and curtsies
minuet mov meant for listening
triple meter
moderate tempo
trio section is quieter
rondo
main theme (A) that returns several times in alternation w/other themes
common patterns- ABACA & ABACABA
main theme=lively and simple to remember
can be used an independent piece or as a mov
the classical symphony
long composition lasting 20-45 min
4 mov
either a minuet or scherzo section
the classical concerto
3 mov. work for soloists
lasts 20-45 min.
very challenging
joseph haydn
1732-1809
struggled w career until 29 when he enetered serive of Esterhazys-the richest and most powerful of the Hungarian noble families
mozart
1756-1791
child prodigy
by age 6- played harpsichord and violin, improvised, wrote minuets and could sight read
age 12 wrote an opera
mozarts music
wrote masterpieces in all forms- symphonies, string quartets, piano concertos and operas
wrote symphonie fast
beethoven
musical genius
influenced composers throughout the 19th century
opened new realms of musical expression
studied w/ Haydn
self-educated
became deaf
beethoven’s music
a reflection of his powerful and tortured personality
he spent years on 1 symphony
bridged the classical and romantic eras
1) early (up to 1802)- a lot of work influenced by Haydn and mozart
2) middle (1803-1814)- compositions are long and heroic in tone
3) late (1815-1827)- compositions sublime, fugues to express new musical ideas
romantic period years
1820-1900
characteristics of romantic period
individuality of style
expressive aims
nationalism
program music
expressive tone color
colorful harmony
expanded ranges of dynamics, pitch and tempo
form: miniature and monumental
program music
instrumental music associated with a story, poem, idea, or scene
nationalism
created music with specific national identity using folk songs and history of home lands
expressive aims
lots of themes
individuality of style
lots of self expression
expressive tone color
help create a variety of moods, timbre became very important
colorful harmony
emphasized rich and colorful harmonies used chromatic harmony (uses chords containing chromatic chords)
lots of rapid modulations
expanded ranges of dynamics, pitch and tempo
helps to increase the emotional impact