Musical Periods

Question 1

What are some popular compositions from the Classical period?

Answer 1

Symphonies, string quartets, sonatas, rondos, variations.

Question 2

Classical composers?

Answer 2

Haydn, Clementi, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert

Question 3

Chief Classical Characteristics?

Answer 3

• Light, elegant and restrained.
• One clear melody line
• Steady pulse but not to be played mechanically
• Articulated sound (short slurs, rests and detached notes are used frequently)
• Short balanced phrases

Question 4

What are some popular composition types in the Romantic period?

Answer 4

Character pieces, etudes, impromptus, rhapsodies, short lyrical pieces and nationalistic dances

Question 5

What are some popular composition forms from the Classical period?

Answer 5

Sonata, minuet and trio, theme and variations.

Question 6

What are some popular composition forms from the Romantic period?

Answer 6

Ternary and free-form

Question 7

What are some Romantic composers?

Answer 7

Mendelssohn, Chopin, Liszt, Tchaikovsky, Brahms, Schumann

Question 8

Some Romantic Characteristics?

Answer 8

• Passionate and expressive
• Deep personal involvement
• Use of rubato, fluctuations in tempo
• Thicker texture, more chords
• Detailed expressive instructions by the composer
• Long lyrical phrases
• Rich harmonies
• Virtuosity

Question 9

20th Century composers?

Answer 9

Stravinsky, Shostakovich, Ravel, Debussy, Cassado, Prokofiev, Bartok, Elgar, Mahler,

Question 10

20th Century Characteristics?

Answer 10

• Complex rhythms are used
• New rhythms and meters are common (such as polyrhythms/meters)
• Melodies are often fragmented, dissonant and experimental.
• Combination of traditional and modern styles (neoclassicism)
• Percussive, strong accents, driving rhythms, wide dynamic range

Question 11

Classical time period?

Answer 11

1750-1810

Question 12

Romantic time period?

Answer 12

1810-1900

Question 13

20th Century time period?

Answer 13

1900-1999