Introduction to the Classical Era

Question 1

When was the Classical Era?

Answer 1

1750-1825, or Death of Bach-Death of Beethoven (Classical)

Question 2

What was the Age of Enlightenment Characterized by?

Answer 2

Rational thinking, the pursuit of knowledge, and a growing desire for social equality (Classical)

Question 3

How did the Age of Enlightenment impact music?

Answer 3

Regular citizens could now afford to listen to music (Classical)

Question 4

What were some changes in instrumentation during the Classical Era?

Answer 4

The 4 instrumental families of the orchestra were defined and the harpsichord got replaced by the fortepiano (Classical)

Question 5

Sonata Cycle:

Answer 5

First movement: Binary form
Second movement: Either Ternary form, Sonata form, Theme and Variations or Rondo form
Third movement: Minuet and Trio/Scherzo and Trio (Ternary Form)
Fourth movement: Sonata Form, Rondo form, Sonata-Rondo form or Theme and Variations (Classical)

Question 6

Sonata Form:

Answer 6

Exposition: Theme 1 then a bridge to Theme 2 in relative major or dominant followed by a codetta
Development: Themes from the exposition undergo a variety of changes. It also may introduce new themes
Recapitulation: Theme 1 and 2 in tonic key
Coda: A concluding section reaffirming the tonic key (Classical)

Question 7

How did the city of Austria affect Classical Music?

Answer 7

It was the home of several famous musicians, including, Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven who made up the first Viennese school (Classical)

Question 8

What was Sturm Und Drang?

Answer 8

A German term that refers to a literary movement based on emotion and an individual’s revolt against conventional society (Classical)

Question 9

What is a Monothematic exposition?

Answer 9

A technique employed mainly by Haydn where the second theme in the exposition is just a transposed version of the first theme (Classical)