Part 2 - Classical Era Flashcards
Classicism
- Refers to the cultures of ancient Rome and Greece, as well as the art, architecture, and music of the late 18th century;
- Adheres to principles of symmetry, balance, and proportion; and
- Emphasis on excellence, enduring value, and timeless quality.
Viennese school
Refers to the musical style forged by Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven and their contemporaries. In late 18th century, Vienna, Austria, flourished as a musical centre.
Absolute music
- Instrumental music without extramusical associations;
- Also known as “pure music”;
- Generic titles reflecting tempos, genres, or forms; for exemple, sonata, allegretto, menuet, rondo.
Sonata form
- Formal structure often used in the first movement of a sonata cycle;
- Consists of exposition (statement of two or more contrasting themes), development (departure), and recapitulation (return);
- Also known as sonata-allegro form.
Exposition
- The first main section in sonata form;
- Two contrasting themes are stated;
- The first theme is in the tonic key;
- The second theme(s) are in a contrasting key, generally in the dominant or relative major.
Development
- The second main section in sonata form;
- Themes from the exposition are manipulated through fragmentation, sequential treatment, or changes to orchestration;
- Modulations and increased harmonic tension;
- New themes may also be introduced.
Recapitulation
The third main section in sonata form, with the first and second themes both restated in the tonic.
Coda
Latin for ‘tail’ (cauda), a concluding section reaffirming the tonic key.
Sonata cycle
Multi-movement structure that emerged in the Classical era, demonstrated in the symphony, sonata, or concerto.
Chamber music
Music for a small ensemble (two to ten players) with one player per part, usually performed without a conductor.
String quartet
- The most important chamber music genre of the Classical era;
- Performing forces: first violin, second violin, viola, and cello;
- Usually in four movements: fast-slow-moderately fast-fast;
- First movement is usually in sonata form.
Theme and variations
- A work featuring a statement of a melody (theme) followed by a series of transformations (variations);
- Changes can be made to melody, harmony, rhythm, or orchestration;
- Often used in the slow movement of a sonata cycle.
Serenade
- A multi-movement orchestral genre;
- For small orchestra or chamber ensemble;
- Popular instrumental genre in the Classical era;
- Often performed in aristocratic social settings and at outdoor events.
Rocket theme
Rapidly ascending melody outlining an arpeggio, often used as a dramatic opening motive in Classical-era works.
Menuet and trio
- Menuet: A stylized dance of French origin developed in the Baroque era;
- In triple meter;
- Graceful, elegant character;
- Trio: Contrasting middle section;
- Ternary form (ABA).
Rounded binary form
- Two-part form, A ll B + A1 ll
- Opening material from Section A returns after B material;
- Key structure similar to binary form.
Rondo form
- Classical formal structure often used in sonata cycle;
- Section A recurs, with alternating sections creating contrast;
- Section A is heard three times or more in the tonic key;
- ABACA or ABACABA.
Sonata-rondo form
- Combines elements of sonata form and rondo form;
- Typical layout: ABACABA (ABA = Exposition; C = Development; Second ABA = Recapitulation):
- Aka ‘Rondo-sonata’ form.
Symphony
- Multi-movement orchestral work originating in the 18th century;
- Usually in four movements: fast-slow-moderate-fast;
- At least one movement is in sonata form.
Cyclical structure
Material heard in one movement recurs in later movements, creating a structural unity in a multi-movement work.
Motive
Short melodic or rhythmic fragment used to build a melody.
Scherzo and trio
- Italian for “jest” or “joke”;
- Beethoven substituted the scherzo in place of the menuet as the 3rd movement in the sonata cycle;
- Also in triple meter, but generally more dramatic than the elegant menuet;
- Could be humorous or ironic;
- As with the menuet and trio, it contains a contrasting middle section (trio), resulting in ABA form (scherzo-trio-scherzo).
Why was the late 18th century referred to as the Age of Enlightenment?
As it was characterized by the pursuit of knowledge, rational thinking, and a growing, controversial desire for equality among all people.
Where was the centre of musical activity in the Classical era?
Vienna.
What drew the three giants (composers) of the Classical era to Vienna?
The city’s vibrant culture and history of arts patronage.
What historical event affected composer-patron relationships? How was this reflected in composers’ careers?
The French Revolution (1789-1799), bringing social and political change.
Haydn thrived while working for the same family throughout his career.
Mozart had difficulty maintaining patronage appointments.
Beethoven never worked for a single employer, though he was loyally supported.
What were the three Classical ideals?
Proportion, symmetry, balance.
Which form was key to the musical development of the Classical era?
Sonata form, which had a focus on structural balance.
What other names is the sonata form referred to as?
First-movement form or sonata-allegro form.
Which principle was sonata form developed from? Describe the structure of this form.
Rounded binary:
Section A starts in I, ends in V.
Section B is in a new key.
Section A1 is in I.
Which composers were key in the emergence of sonata form?
Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach, Johann Christian Bach, members of the Mannheim School.
Which Viennese School composers further developed sonata form?
Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven.
What are the features of the introduction section of the Sonata form, when it is present?
A non-standard component, and generally not included in the repeat of the exposition.
Usually slow, not always related to what comes later.
Establishes the tonic key, though sometimes in the tonic major or minor. Creates musical tension and suspense, to capture the listener’s interest.
What are the features of the Exposition in the Sonata form?
First theme:
Establishes the tonic key, presents a distinctive melodic & rhythmic character, sets the mood for the entire movement.
Bridge:
Initiates the move to a new key centre, often consisting of scale figurations, chordal passages.
Second theme:
Establishes the new key (dominant, relative major), creates melodic & rhythmic character contrast, sometimes consists of several themes (theme group).
Codetta (closing theme/section):
Affirms the new key by extending the final sentence, generally ends with a repeat sign.
How many times is the exposition in Sonata form repeated?
Once.
What are the features of the Development, in Sonata form?
- Harmonic tension intensifies: Modulation, increased dissonance
- Manipulation of earlier-presented thematic material
- Use of technique: Sequential treatment, fragmentation, inversion, orchestration changes
- May present new material
- Generally ends with dominant preparation: Emphasis of dominant harmony, in anticipation of the return to the tonic key.
What are the features of the Recapitulation in Sonata form?
The first theme returns to the tonic key.
The bridge remains in the tonic - no need to modulate!
The second theme is restated in the tonic.
The codetta is restated in the tonic.
What are the features of the Coda, when present, in Sonata form?
A non-standard component!
Concluding section reaffirming the tonic key, consisting of repeated cadences, while sometimes presenting new material.
Which sections of Sonata form re sometimes repeated as a unit?
The development and rcaptiuation.
In 19th-century compositions, what replaced the repetition of the development and the recapitulation in Sonata form?
A longer coda.
Who is regarded as the father of Classical style? Which genres was he father of?
Franz Joseph Hadyn, father of the symphony and the string quartet.
For which genres was Haydn a key figure in the development of?
Symphony, sonata, string quartet.
Which system did Haydn enjoy the benefits of, during his long and prolific career? What were these benefits?
The patronage system. He kept the same employer, rejoicing from financial security. As such, he could experiment with approaches to formal structure and instrumental writing.
What are the key elements in Haydn’s music?
He incorporates a wide range, including robust energy, the spirit of folk music, wit, humour.
Which two composers paid homage to Haydn during the later years of his life?
Mozart and Beethoven.
Between what years did Franz Joseph Haydn live?
DOB: 1732
DOD: 1809
What was Franz Joseph Haydn’s family background?
He was born himself in Rohrau, Austria.
His father was a wheelwright, his mother was a cook.
His brothers Michael and johann also became musicians.
After his childhood talents were recognized, where was Franz Joseph Haydn recruited to be a choirboy?
At St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Vienna.
Where was Franz Joseph Haydn educated?
At St. Stephen’s, but he also self-taught.
Who did Franz Joseph Haydn consider to be his only teacher?
Nicolo Porpora, an Italian singer/composer.
Why was Haydn dismissed from St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and what did he do thereafter?
His voice changed. He became a freelance musician in Vienna, an emerging cultural centre. This was a difficult period for him, as he earned a living by composing, performing, teaching and accompanying. During this time, he gradually gained the attention of potential patrons.
In what year did Haydn begin his first full-time position as Kappellmeister (music director)? Who was this to, and what did his duties consist of?
In 1759. This was to Count Ferdinand von Morzin. He conducted, composed (including his first symphony!), performed.
Who did Haydn marry in 1760?
Maria Anna Keller.
What was Haydn’s link to the Esterhazy family?
In 1761, he began his employment in Eisenstadt, with the wealthy and influential Esterhazy family. He was first assistant Kapellmeister, becoming Kapellmeister and moving into the Esterhaza estate (a magnificent palace) in 1766.
What did Haydn’s contract and duties include, while working for the Esterhazy family?
His contract stipulated a dress code, deportment, and musical expectations.
His duties included training instrumentalists, conducting, composing, and performing chamber music. He supplied all music for the court opera house, theater, and chapel.
What did Haydn explore during his time with the Esterhazy family?
Haydn discovered artistic voice and his position’s creative freedom allowed him to explore leading genres of the day: symphony, opera, string quartet.
How did Haydn’s reputation grow during his time with the Esterhazy family?
He published many works, and received commissions from other sources, such as his “Paris” Symphonies.
How was Haydn’s relationship with Mozart?
The friendship was filled with respect and admiration, despite age differences. They dedicated string quartets to one another.
When did Haydn move to Vienna, and why?
He moved to Vienna in 1790, after Prince Anton succeeded Prince Nikolai.
When working for Prince Anton, what were Haydn’s duties?
His duties solely consisted of composing an annual mass. He received a pension, but other duties were relieved.
What did Haydn do during his London travels?
During his first trip, he was engaged by concert promoter Johann Peter Salomon for a series of concerts.
He composed, conducted the first six of his “London” symphonies, “electrifying” audiences.
From which university did Haydn receive his honorary doctorate?
Oxford University.
When and where did Haydn meet Beethoven?
Vienna, 1792. He taught him briefly.
In what year did Haydn make his second trip to London, and what did he do?
In 1794. His last six symphonies were critically and financially successful.
When did Haydn move back to Vienna permanently?
1795.
What did Haydn compose during his later years?
Oratorios: “The Creation”, “The Season”;
Masses for Prince Nicholas II, Anton’s successor (6)
More string quartets
Why did Haydn retire in 1802?
Failing health.
When was Haydn’s last public appearance?
In 1808, at a performance of “The Creation”.
When did Haydn die, and what was performed at his memorial service?
- Mozart’s Requiem was performed.
From which styles did Haydn’s music gain inspiration?
Style galant: Grace, elegance
Sturm and Drang (storm and stress): Dramatic contrasts
Empfindsamer Stil (sensitive style): Heightened emotionalism
How did Haydn contribute to the development of sonata form?
Formal elements: Melody, harmony.
He included slow introductions featuring ambiguous tonality, suspenseful atmosphere, chromatic harmony.
What characterizes Haydn’s expositions?
They are often monothematic. The first and second themes are identical/similar, but in different keys.
What type of singing/dancing influenced Haydn?
Folk songs and dances. He used simple diatonic melodies, with a narrow range.
What type of interesting sound effects did Haydn include?
Pedal points, suggesting bagpipes.
Pizzicato strings, suggesting guitar.
How was Haydn’s musical playfulness shown?
Sudden dynamic changes, abrupt silences.
How were dramatic elements included in Haydn’s compositions? Give an example.
Sudden accents;
Bold changes of chords/keys.
For example, his use of a loud C+ chord in “The Creation”, to depict the word “light”.
What characterizes Style galant?
- Musical style originating in the 1720s;
- Features periodic melodies, homophonic texture, delicate ornamentation = Airy, light texture, contrasting with dense polyphony of J.S. Bach.
What characterizes Sturm und Drang?
- Literary movement of the 1770s;
- Heightened emotion and dramatic contrasts, are exemplified in the works of Goethe, Schiller, and contemporaries;
- Influenced Classical composers, foreshadowing the Romantic style.
What characterizes Empfindsamer Stil?
- Introspective, expressive style: Use of unexpected turns of phrase, abrupt rhythmic gestures, chromatic harmony;
- Exemplified in the music of Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach;
- Foreshadowed Romanticism.
What genres did Haydn compose, and what are his most famous titles?
Symphonies (100+): “Farewell” (No. 45), “Surprise” (No. 94), “Military” (No. 100), “Clock” (No. 101), “London” (No. 104)
Concertos, for piano, violin, cello, trumpet
Chamber: 68 string quartets, including “Quinten” and “Kaiser”
Piano: 40+ sonatas
Operas (14): “Armida”
Oratorios: “The Creation”, “The Seasons”, “The Seven Last Words of Christ”
Sacred Vocal: Masses, including “Lord Nelson Mass”, “Mass in the Time of War”
Novelties: Marionette theater works, compositions for the baryton (now obsolete string instrument)
Who were Haydn’s six string quartets comprising opus 76, composed between 1796 and 1797, comissioned by? Who were these works dedicated to?
Count Joseph Erdödy, to whom these string quartets were also dedicated.
What is the nickname for String Quartet in C Major, op. 76, no. 3 by Franz Joseph Haydn?
“Emperor Quartet”. This nickname derives from the elegant second movement theme, which becomes the basis for a set of variations.
How did Haydn express his sincere admiration for the English anthem “God Save the King”? Where is this work quoted?
He wrote a moving national anthem for his native Austria in honor of its emperor, Francis II, called “Gott erhalte Franz den Kaiser” (“God Save Emperor Francis”).
The work is quoted in the compositions of many composers, but the most famous is within Haydn’s “Emperor Quartet”.
How can you describe the musical conversation in a string quartet?
As one between friends, intimate and refined.
What is the genre, composition, structure, and the significance of title of String Quartet in C Major, op. 76, no. 3 by Franz Joseph Haydn?
Genre: String quartet
Composition date: 1797
Structure: 4 movements
Significance of title: “Emperor” refers to the anthem upon which the second movement is based.
How can you describe the anthem upon which “Emperor Quartet” is based?
It contains five phrases, aabcc.
The hymn text pays homage to the Austrian emperor.
It is in binary form, AB.
It utilizes diatonic harmonies.
What is the key, form, tempo, meter, and source of text of the second movement of String Quartet in C Major, op. 76, no. 3 by Franz Joseph Haydn?
Key: G major Form: Theme and Variations (4) Tempo: Begins "Poco adagio, cantabile" Meter: 2/2 Source of text: An original hymn by Haydn, known as the "Kaiserhymne" (Emperor's Hymn)
What is a unique feature of the second movement of String Quartet in C Major, op. 76, no. 3 by Franz Joseph Haydn?
Haydn achieves variation through the accompaniment alone.
In each variation, the melody is presented in its unaltered form by each instrument, preserving its noble character.
What is the key, tempo, phrasing, and the texture of the theme of the second movement of String Quartet in C Major, op. 76, no. 3 by Franz Joseph Haydn? Who is the theme played by?
Key: G+ Tempo: Poco adagio, cantabile Phrasing: 5 phrases, aabcc Texture: Homophonic The theme is played by the first violin, unfolding in elegant four-bar phrases.
What is the marking for the theme of the second movement of String Quartet in C Major, op. 76, no. 3 by Franz Joseph Haydn?
Dolce - sweetly.
What marking stirs intensity to the theme of the second movement of String Quartet in C Major, op. 76, no. 3 by Franz Joseph Haydn?
Accents, introduced at the climatic high G.
Who plays the theme in Variation I of the second movement of String Quartet in C Major, op. 76, no. 3 by Franz Joseph Haydn?
Second violin.
