Grade 8 Romantic Era- Types Of Compositions

Question 1

Explain with example overture

Answer 1

An instrumental introduction played by a full orchestra to open a musical dramatic work such as an opera or oratorio. The overture presents some themes to be heard later in the work. Ex. Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture- Tchaikovsky

Question 2

Explain with an example cadenza

Answer 2

A section of a musical work in which a soloist plays to show off his or her technical skill. This is sometimes an improvised and is a very artistic passage usually performed near to the end of a work such as a concerto. Ex. Cello concerto in B minor- Dvorák

Question 3

Explain with an example concerto

Answer 3

An instrumental piece of music for one or more soloists and full orchestra made up of three contrasting movements. The movements are in the order fast, slow, fast. Ex. Cello concerto in B minor- Dvorák

Question 4

Explain with example lieder

Answer 4

A German set of songs for a solo voice and piano. Schubert is well known for composing lieder. Ex. Gretchen at the spinning wheel- Schubert

Question 5

Explain with an example suite

Answer 5

A set of musical pieces considered as one composition played by a full orchestra that were originally composed to be performed in a concert setting. Ex. L’Arlésienne suite no. 2- Bizet

Question 6

Explain coloratura

Answer 6

A style of singing containing a lot of high pitched notes that is very ornate. Common in operas. This also describes a soprano singers specialising in the style of coloratura

Question 7

Explain rondo with example

Answer 7

An instrumental composition often found as the final movement of a sonata or concerto. Has one key theme which is repeated with slight variations in between new subordinate themes. Ex. Rondo in C minor- Chopin

Question 8

Explain recitative

Answer 8

A sing song style chant composition that tells a story. Sung by a SATB chorus sung in a chant style resembling speech

Question 9

Explain song cycle with an example

Answer 9

A set of art songs with one similar subject intended to be played directly after one another as one piece. Ex. Die Schöne Müllerin- Schubert

Question 10

Exaplain tone poem/symphonic poem with an example

Answer 10

Musical composition for full orchestra telling a story or inspiring an idea. Has typically one movement. Ex. Les préludes- Liszt

Question 11

Explain with an example opera

Answer 11

Musical drama composed for full orchestra sung by soloists SATB and chorus. Performed on a stage, with costumes, lighting, props etc. Ex, The Ring- Wagner

Question 12

Explain programme music

Answer 12

Music composed to tell a story, evoke and image or inspire an idea