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.